But behind the deadlines, the LinkedIn posts, the newsroom conversations and the polished professionalism, there has also been another reality I have carried quietly for years — my experience with mental illness.

This is the first time I am publicly saying it: I live with schizoaffective disorder.

For a long time, silence felt safer. In our society, mental illness is still treated as something shameful, dangerous or career-ending. As someone working within a healthcare environment while also navigating journalism and public-facing work, I worried about perception. 

I worried people would reduce me to a diagnosis instead of seeing the disciplined, ambitious and creative person I have always fought to remain. So I mastered the art of appearing “fine” even when internally, I was struggling.

One of the hardest chapters of that struggle came between August 2025 and January 2026, when I was on antipsychotic injections as part of treatment. The medication may have been clinically necessary at the time, but the experience was deeply difficult for me. 

I struggled constantly with waking up in the morning. At work, I often felt overwhelmingly sleepy and physically exhausted. My productivity suffered. Conversations became difficult because I no longer had the emotional energy or motivation to engage the way I normally would. I became quieter, slower, emotionally withdrawn — almost like I was watching my own life from a distance.

What made that period particularly painful was that many people around me could see the exhaustion, but very few understood what was happening beneath it. Mental illness is already isolating. Medication side effects can deepen that isolation further. There were days I questioned whether I would ever fully feel like myself again.

And yet, amid all of this, something else happened too: I experienced support.

Working in a healthcare environment exposed me not only to medicine, but also to humanity. Some colleagues offered emotional support. Others showed psychological understanding without judgment.

Some extended professional grace during moments when I was clearly struggling to function at my usual capacity. They may never fully know how much those acts mattered to me. In a world where mental illness is often met with mockery, suspicion or silence, compassion can become life-saving.

Over time, after stopping the injections in January 2026, I slowly began reclaiming parts of myself again.

The improvement was gradual. First came slightly easier mornings. Then clearer thinking. Then the return of emotional presence, conversation, motivation and energy. Recovery did not arrive dramatically; it arrived quietly, piece by piece.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, I no longer want to hide behind silence. Not because sharing is easy, but because secrecy can become another form of suffering. 

Too many people are carrying invisible battles while trying to appear functional to the world. Too many professionals fear being honest about their mental health because they think vulnerability will erase their competence. Too many Africans still grow up believing psychiatric conditions are moral failures instead of health conditions deserving care, dignity and support.

I am learning that living with schizoaffective disorder does not erase my intelligence, creativity, professionalism or future. It simply means I am human — a human being navigating a complicated condition while still trying to build a meaningful life and contribute to society.

And perhaps that is the message I most want people to understand: mental illness does not automatically destroy a person’s humanity, ambition or value. Sometimes the people smiling in meetings, writing headlines, caring for patients, creating art or showing up to work every day are also quietly fighting battles nobody sees.

For months, I kept this part of my life hidden from the public. Today, I choose honesty over fear. Not for sympathy. Not for attention. But for freedom. 

Ooro George is a journalist, editor-at-large, cross-cultural curator and PR practitioner.

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Africa has always found its own way around barriers. When fixed-line banking proved too slow and too exclusionary, Kenya did not wait for the infrastructure to catch up. It built M-Pesa instead, a mobile payments platform that by 2022 had 50 million customers across seven African countries and processed nearly 20 billion individual transactions annually.

That story is now so well-worn that it risks becoming a cliché. But it contains a genuinely instructive logic: constrained circumstances, properly understood, can become a design brief.

Today, Africa faces a new set of constraints, around software development capacity, technical talent, and the cost of building digital tools, demands exactly the same creative leap. Meeting these challenges will require the same kind of practical innovation that previously reshaped financial inclusion across the continent.

The numbers make the challenge plain. Africa's internet economy was projected to contribute $180 billion, or 5.2% of aggregate GDP, by 2025. Meanwhile, cloud adoption is expanding at 25 to 30% annually, outpacing Europe and North America, while thousands of African companies are already experimenting with AI-enabled operations.Yet, the human infrastructure required to sustain this momentum is not keeping pace.

Unless the continent finds smarter and more scalable ways to build digital systems, Africa risks becoming the world's largest consumer of a digital future it did not help design.

The build gap is structural, not incidental

Africa’s AI challenge is not a lack of ambition or demand, but the widening gap between the pace of technological change and the availability of skills needed to support it. Across the continent, organisations are under growing pressure to build AI capability quickly, as shortages in specialised talent increasingly affect innovation, competitiveness, and the ability to fully participate in the global digital economy.

A 2024 ICT Skills Survey found that more than 28,000 high-end developer and cybersecurity roles in South Africa had to be outsourced because local talent was simply unavailable, with enterprises poaching the same scarce professionals from one another in a cycle that drives up costs and squeezes out the SMEs that form the backbone of most African economies. Nigeria and Kenya, despite recording developer population growth of 28% and 33% respectively between 2023 and 2024, still represent only a fraction of the global developer community.

The challenge is further intensified by the continued loss of skilled talent to more developed markets, limiting the continent’s ability to build and retain the expertise needed for long-term digital growth. However, this is not simply a pipeline issue that can be solved through education alone. It reflects deeper structural constraints, from uneven investment in technical infrastructure and digital training to the high cost of reliable connectivity and power instability. Across African markets, many businesses and communities are still forced to operate within systems that make full participation in the digital economy significantly harder. These are not isolated operational challenges. They are systemic barriers that risk slowing Africa’s ability to fully realise the opportunities of the AI era.

Intelligent tools as strategic infrastructure

This is precisely why the emergence of AI-assisted low-code and vibe coding approaches represents something more than a developer trend. It represents a potential structural response to a structural challenge.

Vibe coding, a term popularised by AI researcher Andrej Karpathy in 2025, refers to building functional applications through natural language descriptions rather than conventional code. You describe what you want; the system generates the structure, logic, and connections required to make it work.

For the continent’s millions of entrepreneurs operating without a developer on staff, this creates a genuine shortcut to working software, whether it is a South African small business looking to digitise operations, a Kenyan agritech startup building supply chain tools, or a Nigerian SME trying to automate customer approvals and customer service workflows.  

Consider a small logistics company trying to manage deliveries across multiple regions without the resources to hire a full development team. AI-assisted low-code tools can help build routing dashboards, automate customer notifications, and digitise inventory tracking in days rather than months.

AI-assisted low-code development goes further still, bringing machine learning, predictive analytics, and self-learning algorithms into the development process, making it suitable not merely for quick prototypes but for the scalable, data-intensive applications that banking, healthcare, and logistics at continental scale genuinely require.

Recent research found that Kenya's approach to digital adoption, characterised by grassroots digital literacy programmes and simplified onboarding, demonstrates that informality need not be a barrier to digital innovation. That finding points toward something important: the tools that matter most in Africa are not necessarily the most sophisticated ones. They are the ones that meet builders where they actually are. A fast-moving startup operating out of a co-working space in Lagos's Yabacon Valley has different needs from an established financial services firm in Cape Town navigating compliance requirements, and both have different needs from the first-time builder in a smaller city with no developer network at all.

What connects all three contexts is the principle that lowering the cost and complexity of building software expands who gets to shape Africa's digital future. Africa requires massive scaling of its digital workforce, with reports indicating that 650 million training opportunities will be needed to meet the demand for digital skills across the continent by 2030. Traditional pipelines cannot close that gap at the required speed. Tools that extend the productive capacity of existing builders and draw non-technical entrepreneurs into the act of building are critical.

Leapfrogging requires foundations, not just shortcuts

The risk, and it is a real one, is mistaking these tools for a substitute for the deeper investments Africa still needs to make. As analysts have argued, mobile money dramatically increased financial inclusion but did not replace the need for a stable, well-regulated banking sector, a tension that Nigeria's rapidly maturing fintech ecosystem is navigating in real time as it moves beyond its breakout years.

The same logic applies here. Vibe coding and AI-assisted development cannot paper over the infrastructure deficits that still constrain the continent. Across many parts of Africa, inconsistent access to reliable electricity and high-quality connectivity continues to shape who can fully participate in the digital economy. While AI-powered tools may lower technical barriers to innovation, their impact will ultimately depend on broader progress in digital infrastructure, energy reliability, and equitable access to technology and stronger governance frameworks around cyber security and data sovereignty.

McKinsey has observed that Africa has a proven track record of leapfrogging traditional development pathways, from mobile payments to cloud adoption, often outpacing what established markets achieved through slower, incremental routes.

What Africa needs, then, is not a choice between vibe coding and AI-assisted development, nor between either of those and conventional software engineering. It needs an intelligent layering of all three: accessible, prompt-driven tools for the entrepreneurs and administrators who need working solutions now; robust AI-assisted platforms for the developers and institutions building systems that must scale across borders and regulatory environments; and sustained investment in producing and retaining the senior technical talent that no tool, however intelligent, can fully substitute.

Africa's AI market will be worth $16.5 billion by 2030. Whether African organisations are building that future or merely consuming it will depend on whether the means to build it are genuinely within reach, across the continent's established tech hubs and deep into the cities and towns that sit beyond them.

Veerakumar Natarajan is the Country Head of Zoho Kenya

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There was a time when enjoying a great cocktail felt reserved for upscale bars, luxury lounges, or occasions important enough to justify calling in a mixologist. 

Today, however, cocktails have moved far beyond the bar counter. They have found a new home in our living rooms, balconies, rooftops, game nights, and brunches.

Kenya’s cocktail culture is evolving and fast. What was once considered niche has now become part of everyday social experiences, especially among young consumers seeking more personalized, experiential, and premium ways to connect. Cocktails are increasingly becoming social currency and expressions of lifestyle.

Scroll through social media, and you will notice it immediately: aesthetically poured drinks, curated hosting moments, playlist culture, and groups of friends recreating elevated experiences from the comfort of their homes.

And perhaps that is what makes this moment so exciting. Cocktail culture in Kenya is no longer confined to nightlife alone; it is becoming more democratized.

A photo of Lushasha, a mixologist.

Consumers today want premium experiences, but they also want convenience. They want drinks that fit naturally into their lifestyles without feeling complicated or intimidating. This shift is redefining not just what people drink, but how they drink.

At the centre of this evolution is a growing appreciation for effortless cocktail experiences. Ready-to-drink cocktails, for instance, are increasingly resonating with consumers because they remove the barriers that once came with cocktail enjoyment. You no longer need a fully stocked bar cart, advanced mixology skills, or a bartender on standby to enjoy a quality cocktail experience.

That is where innovations like Gilbey’s Berry Bramble are finding their moment. Gilbey’s Berry Bramble represents a new generation of cocktail experiences designed for today’s consumer: vibrant, flavourful, convenient, and social. Whether it is a spontaneous catch-up with friends, a chilled evening indoors, or a hosted dinner at home, consumers are embracing products that allow them to elevate everyday moments with ease.

The beauty of pre-mixed cocktails lies in their simplicity. Open, pour, serve, and enjoy. No complicated recipes. No pressure to “get it right”. Just consistent, refreshing flavour that fits effortlessly into modern social occasions.

More importantly, this shift speaks to a broader cultural movement: the rise of at-home socializing. Consumers are increasingly investing in creating memorable experiences within their own spaces. The living room has become the new lounge.

House parties are becoming more curated. The hosting culture is becoming more expressive. Music, food, décor, and drinks are all part of crafting intentional moments with friends and loved ones. Cocktails naturally fit into this evolution because they bring a sense of occasion to ordinary moments.

At the same time, consumers are also becoming more adventurous. They are exploring flavors, experimenting with serves, and discovering that cocktail culture does not have to feel exclusive.

For those who enjoy adding a personal touch to their drinks, Gilbey’s Special Dry Gin continues to offer a versatile foundation for simple yet timeless cocktail experiences such as the classic Gin & Tonic. It is proof that creating enjoyable cocktail moments at home does not need to feel overly technical or expensive.

In many ways, the Gin & Tonic perfectly reflects where modern cocktail culture is headed: simple, refreshing, customizable, and social.

Consumers today appreciate experiences that feel authentic and easy to replicate within their everyday lives. Whether it is adding fresh citrus, berries, herbs, or experimenting with garnish combinations, people are finding joy in making cocktails their own.

Social media has also accelerated this culture significantly. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have transformed cocktail-making into shareable entertainment content. Consumers are no longer just drinking cocktails; they are engaging with the culture around them, from discovering new serves to hosting aesthetically driven social moments.

But beyond trends and aesthetics, what we are witnessing is a deeper shift in consumer mindset. People are prioritizing connection and shared experiences.

After increasingly busy schedules and digitally dominated lives, social moments have become more intentional. Consumers want products and experiences that help facilitate those moments effortlessly. Convenience, therefore, is no longer viewed as compromising quality. If anything, convenience has become part of the premium experience itself.

That is why the future of cocktail culture in Kenya looks incredibly exciting. We are seeing a generation of consumers who are curious, expressive, and open to discovering new ways to socialize. They are seeking brands that understand their lifestyles and evolve alongside them. They are embracing experiences that feel accessible yet elevated.

Cocktails are no longer reserved for special occasions alone. They are becoming part of everyday rituals: the Friday unwind after work, the Sunday brunch soundtrack, the spontaneous link-up with friends, or the quiet solo reset after a long week. And perhaps that is the magic of modern cocktail culture: its ability to transform ordinary moments into memorable ones.

As this culture continues to evolve, Gilbey’s remains committed to creating experiences that feel contemporary, enjoyable, and accessible for today’s consumer, whether through convenient ready-to-drink innovations like Gilbey’s Berry Bramble or timeless classics crafted with Gilbey’s Special Dry Gin.

Consumers can explore Gilbey’s cocktail experiences by purchasing Gilbey’s Berry Bramble and Gilbey’s Special Dry Gin from Ke.thebar.com or stores near them and create their own magic at home. We are currently running offers on the Gilbey’s Special Dry Gin, going for Ksh999 for the 750ml.

Alcohol consumption is not for persons under the age of 18. Please drink responsibly.

Lilian Mbugua is the Brand Manager for Gilbeys Kenya.

Reported accidents and incidents in the petroleum sector cost the Country’s economy more than Ksh197 million in direct losses between July and December 2025. 

According to statistics analysed by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), 83% of these accidents occurred during the transportation of petroleum products. These losses translate to severe consequences that extend far beyond the consignor and the consignee. They ripple across communities and public systems, revealing a shared vulnerability that demands collective responsibility. 

Accidents involving petroleum can result in significant financial losses, including damaged infrastructure, lost product, business interruptions, and legal liabilities. Further, the environment suffers serious degradation due to soil, surface, and groundwater contamination.

Most tragically, lives are lost, and families are permanently altered through life-threatening injuries, fatalities, and long-term disabilities. These human costs translate into broader economic burdens, including disrupted supply chains, job losses, increased insurance premiums, and strain on healthcare facilities.

Safety is a shared responsibility of the petroleum transport company, the driver, the consignee, regulatory entities, and the public in general.

EPRA’s Director of Petroleum and Gas, Eng. Edward Kinyua, making a presentation on the Draft Petroleum (Operation of Common User Petroleum Facilities) Regulations, 2020 & Petroleum (Information and Statistics) Regulations, 2020 on February 23, 2021. /EPRA

Accidents will more often result from unsafe incidents ignored over time and ultimately progress to actual occurrences. These incidents are technically classified as near misses. It is a regulatory requirement for licensees in the sector to keep a record of near misses, the main objective being the development and implementation of robust mitigation measures aimed at preventing real occurrences.

Human factors remain one of the leading causes of accidents involving petroleum transportation. To this end, petroleum transport companies are required by the Petroleum (Licensing of Petroleum Road Transportation Business) Regulations, 2025, to implement structured journey management plans for petroleum deliveries.

The plans outline safe routes based on risk assessment, designated rest points, communication protocols, and contingency measures in the event of an accident. Route planning and documentation to a great extent, reduce the likelihood of accidents and poor response during emergencies.

Monitoring driver behaviour is a key emphasis in the Regulations, and hence, petroleum transporters are required to put in place resilient Transport Safety Management Systems (TSMS). These systems require companies engaged in petroleum road transportation to institutionalise safety across their operations, including the use of tracking systems that are GPS-enabled for their fleets.

Drivers are expected to adhere to approved routes, comply with speed limits and rest requirements, and follow operational safety procedures at loading, transit, and offloading points. This moves the sector away from informal, ad-hoc driving practices to a disciplined, accountable transport system where safety decisions are deliberate, documented, and auditable.

A TSMS typically includes policies on risk assessment, incident reporting, preventive maintenance, driver training, fatigue management, emergency preparedness, and continuous improvement. By embedding safety into corporate governance structures, the Regulations shift responsibility from the driver alone to the company, ensuring that safety is managed systematically rather than reactively.

Transport Safety Management Systems also strengthen regulatory oversight. Operators must demonstrate compliance through documentation, audits, and reporting, enabling EPRA and other regulators to identify systemic risks, enforce corrective actions, and benchmark industry performance. This data-driven approach allows safety interventions to be proactive, reducing the probability and severity of incidents before they escalate into disasters.

Journey management requirements and safety management systems represent a paradigm shift in derisking petroleum transportation by road. The two enable recognition that accidents are rarely isolated events but often the result of cumulative failures across several components spanning from planning, behaviour, equipment, and organisational culture. 

Investigations conducted on the various accidents involving petroleum transportation reveal the need for stakeholder collaboration to implement safety practices throughout the value chain. Such collaboration can be achieved through capacity building for individual petroleum transport companies and sector players to achieve enhanced surveillance. The consignees, often Oil Marketing Companies, must also demand compliance from their logistics partners, while insurance companies should incentivise safe practices through strict policies. 

The Petroleum (Licensing of Petroleum Road Transportation Business) Regulations, 2025 provide a structured approach to enhancing safety in the petroleum road transportation setting, clear requirements for licensing, vehicle standards, driver competence, including requirements for defensive driving, operational procedures, and compliance monitoring. The Regulations formalise accountability across transporters, marketers, and other operators, while empowering the regulator to enforce standards that reduce systemic risk. 

The duty of care is upon all of us: policymakers, Regulators, Oil Marketing Companies, petroleum transportation companies, other road users, and members of the public to ensure effectiveness in the implementation of the Regulations. Bottom line: Do not ignore any unsafe practice on the road; it may affect you directly or indirectly.

The writer is the Director, Petroleum and Gas at the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA)

Kenya’s music audience is more engaged than ever. By the end of 2025, Kenyan listeners had streamed over 200 million hours of music and built millions of personalised playlists.

On average, a 26-year-old streams 124 different artists every month, with interest in indigenous languages surging by 101 percent locally, according to the latest data by Spotify. These numbers reveal a curious, highly active audience, one that is eager to discover, support, and celebrate local talent.

Despite this impressive engagement, the industry continues to struggle to match the creative and commercial impact of African powerhouses like Nigeria and South Africa. Only a handful of local music artists rise to international recognition or earn enough to sustain their careers. Part of the reason is structural.

The music industry lacks mentorship and professional pathways needed to turn talent into stardom. This leaves most artists to navigate it alone, relying on social media buzz or viral hits to break through. Without structured support, even the most promising talent struggles to sustain visibility, engage audiences, and achieve financial stability.

Photo of Brigid Wambua, who is the Tusker Senior Brand Manager, KBL.

Business knowledge is another barrier. Many Kenyan artists lack understanding of royalties, publishing rights, and distribution deals. To thrive in Kenya’s vibrant creative economy, valued at approximately Ksh240 billion according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), artists must go beyond raw talent and embrace the business mechanisms, like contracts, licensing, and royalty systems, that turn their art into sustainable income.

Without this knowledge, artists cannot fully capitalise on streaming platforms, live performances, or brand partnerships, opportunities that Nigerian and South African musicians exploit effectively to generate substantial income. 

Equally important is that artists understand what is expected of them as professionals in the modern music industry. Beyond creating music, they must consistently engage with their audience, maintain a strong personal brand, and strategically plan releases to sustain momentum. Success requires discipline, commitment, and an awareness of industry timelines, promotional cycles, and audience expectations.

Artists also need to recognise the value of collaboration, both with peers and industry stakeholders, and to actively seek mentorship and guidance. Understanding their role in a larger ecosystem, from managers and producers to distributors and media partners, enables them to make informed decisions, protect their rights, and maximize the potential of every opportunity. Knowledge of these responsibilities is as critical as musical talent itself.

The gap between Kenya and countries like Nigeria and South Africa is not about talent; it is about support, structure, and opportunity. Initiatives like Base to Billboardz (B2B) by Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL), the Tusker brand, provide the needed ecosystem to help artists navigate the industry with confidence and clarity for sustainable career growth.

This means that if we are to position our artists on global platforms, structured development programs like B2B are no longer optional, but a catalyst for sustainable music careers. By providing mentorship, business guidance, and professional networks, we will equip artists with the tools to turn talent into long-term success. With an engaged audience, a growing creative economy, and the right support, local musicians are ready to claim their place on the international stage.

The country has everything it needs to become East Africa’s music hub. That is, a talented pool of musicians, enthusiastic audiences, and a thriving creative economy.

By combining creative coaching with practical guidance on royalties, contracts, and brand partnerships, artists can build lasting careers rather than chase fleeting fame. They will learn to cultivate loyal fan bases, protect their work, and develop a distinct identity in a competitive industry.

The foundation is in place, the momentum is real, and the opportunity to shape the nation’s music future has never been greater.

Brigid Wambua is the Tusker Senior Brand Manager, KBL.

Photo of the inside of a music studio. /MUSIC SCHOOL NAIROBI

As we stand on the cusp of International Women's Day 2026, it's impossible to ignore the profound transformation etched by Kenyan women across every facet of our nation. 

Their influence isn't just growing; it's charting new territories, painting a future for Kenya that is undeniably brighter and more equitable than ever before. This isn't just progress; it's a testament to an indomitable spirit that consistently turns adversity into opportunity. 

This year, as the world unites under the theme "Give to Gain," Kenya finds itself at the forefront of this profound philosophy.

Collage of Judy Astariko-Gilbeys Quality Analyst, and Isabella Wambui -Gilbeys Team Lead

The theme is a reflection of the Harambee spirit that has sustained our communities for generations. It’s a theme that resonates deeply with our understanding of progress: that true societal advancement isn't about individual accumulation, but about collective empowerment.

The idea is simple, yet revolutionary in its implications: by investing intentionally in women, providing them with mentorship, allocating essential resources, and creating equitable spaces for them to thrive, we don't just uplift individuals; we ignite a ripple effect of prosperity that touches every corner of our community.

At Gilbeys, the theme is woven into the fabric of our operations and partnerships. For us, International Women's Day is a powerful reminder of the enduring strength, creativity, and leadership that women bring to every level of our value chain and beyond. 

When a woman is empowered, she doesn't just empower herself; she invests in her family, her community, and ultimately, the nation’s future. Studies consistently show that economies flourish, and societies become more stable and equitable when women are at the heart of decision-making and economic activity.

This year’s theme is an economic imperative and a moral compass. It calls upon institutions, leaders, and individuals alike to actively dismantle barriers and consciously build bridges for women. It goes beyond celebrating achievements to actively contributing to the creation of an environment where those achievements become the norm, not the exception.

The vibrancy of Kenyan women in business, arts, and leadership today is a testament to the initial seeds of investment planted and a powerful indicator of the exponential growth yet to come.

As a brand rooted in celebrations and shared moments, we believe in the importance of pausing to celebrate our wins together. It's about acknowledging the journeys taken, recognizing the hands that build, and toasting to the collective future we are building. Moments like International Women's Day are perfect opportunities for connection, shared joy, and heartfelt recognition.

In this spirit of shared achievement and looking forward, Gilbeys invites you to raise a glass to the extraordinary women who inspire us daily, to their resilience, their vision, and their invaluable contributions to our nation.

We also raise a special toast to all the women across our extensive value chain, whose hard work and dedication fuel not just our brand, but the very spirit of Give to Gain in Kenya. To mark this impactful occasion and facilitate those moments of celebration, we're offering Gilbey’s Special Dry Gin 750ml for just Ksh 999. This special offer is available every Thursday to Sunday exclusively on ke.thebar.com.

As we move forward into the rest of 2026, let us carry the Give to Gain philosophy with us. Let us be generous with our knowledge, our support, and our encouragement. When we give to women, we all gain a brighter, more equitable future.

Lilian Mbugua is the Brand Manager for Gilbeys at East African Breweries Plc (EABL).

A moment to toast with Gilbeys

This year, the eldest Gen Alpha turns 16. That means they aren't just the future of our work anymore. They are officially calling for a seat at the table, and they’ve brought their own chairs.

And if you’re still calling this generation born between 2010 and 2025 the iPad generation, then I hate to break it to you, but you’re already obsolete.

To the uninitiated, they look like a screen-addicted mystery. To those of us paying attention, they are the most sophisticated, commercially potent, and culturally fluent architects Africa has ever seen.

Why? Because Alphas were not born alongside the internet. They were born inside it. And by 2030, Africa will be home to one in every three Gen Alphas on the planet.

QWERTY the Dinosaur

We are witnessing the rise of a generation that writes via Siri and speech-to-text before they can even hold a pencil.

With 63% of these kids navigating smartphones by age five, they don’t see a QWERTY keyboard as a tool. They see it as a speed bump, the long route, an inefficient use of their bandwidth. They don't need to learn how to use tech because they were born with the ability to command their entire environment with a voice note or a swipe.

Photo of Emma Kendrick Cox, Executive Creative Director at Irvine Partners. /IRVINE PARTNERS

They are platform agnostic by instinct. They don't see boundaries between devices. They’ll migrate from an Android phone to a Smart TV to an iPhone without breaking their stride. To them, the hardware is invisible…it’s the experience that matters.

They recognise brand identities long before they know the alphabet. I share a home with a peak Gen Alpha, age six and a half (don't I dare forget that half). When she hears the ding-ding-ding-ding-ding of South Africa’s largest bank, Capitec’s POS machine, she calls it out instantly: "Mum! Someone just paid with Capitec!" It suddenly gives a whole new meaning to the theory of brand recall, in a case like this, extending it into a mental map of the financial world drawn long before Grade 2. 

And it ultimately lands on this: This generation doesn't want to just view your brand from behind a glass screen. They want to touch it, hear it, inhabit it, and remix it. If they can’t live inside your world, you’re literally just static.

The Uno Reverse card

Unlike any generation we’ve seen to date, households from Lagos to Johannesburg and beyond now see Alphas hold the ultimate Uno Reverse card on purchasing power.

With 80% of parents admitting their kids dictate what the family buys, these Alphas are the unofficial CTOs and Procurement Officers of the home:

• The hardware veto: Parents pay the bill, but Alphas pick the ISP based on Roblox latency and YouTube 4K buffers.

• The Urban/Rural bridge: In the cities, they’re barking orders at Alexa. In rural areas, they are the ones translating tech for their families and narrowing the digital divide from the inside out.

• The death of passive: I’ll fall on my sword when I say that with this generation, the word consumer is dead. It implies they just sit there and take what you give them, when, on the contrary, it is the total opposite. Alphas are Architectural. They are not going to buy your product unless they can co-author the experience from end to end.

As this generation creeps closer and closer to our bullseye, the team here at Irvine Partners has stopped looking at Gen Alpha as a demographic and started seeing them as the new infrastructure of the African market. They are mega-precise, fast, and surgically informed.

Believe me when I say they’ve already moved into your industry and started knocking down the walls. The only question is: are you building something they actually want to live in, or are you just a FaceTime call they are about to decline?

Pay attention. Big moves are coming. The architects are here.

Emma Kendrick Cox is the Executive Creative Director at Irvine Partners.

Do you have an opinion article to share with us? Reach us at viraltea254@gmail.com or opinion@viraltea.co.ke

When Esther’s phone buzzes with a “low gas” alert from the small sensor on her kitchen regulator, it is a reassurance. The message, generated by a digital system tied to her LPG cylinder, informs her that the gas in her cylinder is at 10 percent, allowing her to plan for its replacement.

This technology takes away the headache of running out of gas mid-cooking, a scenario that many are familiar with.  It is an innovation that is emerging in pockets across Africa through smart technology applications and devices that are modernising how LPG is refilled, delivered, tracked, and paid for.

For decades, LPG adoption has been slow across the region. Many households still rely on biomass fuels such as wood, charcoal, or cow dung, with all the health, environmental, and safety risks that entail. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), roughly four out of five households in sub-Saharan Africa still lack access to modern clean cooking fuels and technologies.

This scenario is changing, with 13 million people across sub-Saharan Africa gaining access to clean cooking annually, and 12 million acquiring LPG annually. In 2023 alone, total investment in clean cooking infrastructure rose to Ksh87.2 billion (USD 675 million), nearly a 10 percent increase from the previous year, and most of that investment went into LPG-related distribution infrastructure.

Photo of Dorcas Isaboke, a communications expert

The IEA’s modelling predicts that under a realistic “access-for-all” scenario, LPG will account for over 60 percent of the new clean-cooking access in Africa through 2040, with most of the remainder supplied by electricity or improved biomass stoves.

However, switching millions of households to LPG is only meaningful if the cylinders, distribution, and service are safe, reliable, and trusted. That is where technology plays a crucial role.

Emerging digital tools such as Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, smart meters, and remote telemetry are beginning to plug the safety and trust gaps in the LPG value chain.

In technical research contexts, smart-meter systems have proven capable of real-time monitoring of LPG or CO gas concentrations and alerting to leaks or dangerous gas accumulations. In regions where these technologies are paired with disciplined distribution and maintenance, they offer a path to much safer use.

Pay-as-you-go (PayGo) LPG platforms combine sensor-fitted cylinders with mobile payments and on-demand delivery. Customers pay small amounts according to their budget and receive cylinders topped up as needed, monitored by digital meters.

While there is limited published data measuring leak rates or accident reductions tied specifically to these systems in Africa, the conceptual advantage is clear. Households no longer rely on informal refilling or unverified cylinder sellers, both of which are among the leading causes of LPG-related accidents.

Beyond safety, traceability is gaining ground. Digital tagging (QR codes, Radio Frequency Identification Tags) and registry systems let suppliers track each cylinder’s history, such as refill cycles, maintenance records, and movement across distribution chains. This can significantly curb the circulation of counterfeit or dangerously worn-out cylinders, a long-standing safety concern in many LPG markets.

Take Kenya as a focal example. Historically, a large share of households depended on biomass. A 2025 national survey by Trends and Insights for Africa (TIFA) reports that 41% of Kenyan households overall now use firewood as their main cooking fuel.

The survey also indicates that about 66% of urban households reportedly use LPG as their primary cooking fuel, versus only 23% of rural households, with uptake even higher (89%) among urban high-income families.

According to the Energy and Petroleum Bi-annual Statistics Report, LPG consumption increased by 15% in 2024, rising from 360,594 metric tonnes in 2023 to 414,861 metric tonnes in 2024. Per-capita consumption also grew, reaching 7.9 kg per person, the highest ever recorded in the country. This upward trend reflects growing household adoption, improved supply chains, and potentially rising trust in LPG as a viable, safe, and dependable cooking fuel.

LPG, combined with IoT-based monitoring, digital track-and-trace, mobile payments, and efficient delivery systems, is emerging not just as a fuel but as a service. A service built on transparency, accountability, and continuous oversight.

If policymakers, suppliers, and innovators maintain the momentum through scaling access, lowering costs, tightening regulation, and expanding data collection, tomorrow’s clean-cooking household may be safer, healthier, and more trusting than ever before.

Dorcas Isaboke-Aloo is a communications expert at Apex Porter Novelli

Do you have an opinion article to share with us? Reach us at opinion@viraltea.co.ke

Picture this: a sun-drenched afternoon, the gentle clinking of glasses, the warm hum of laughter filling the air. For many, this conjures the image of Galentine’s as a vibrant, often mimosa-fueled celebration of female friendship.

That’s Galentine’s, right? A day we carve out to raise a glass to our favorite people. But let’s be honest, the profound importance of these friendships goes far beyond one mimosa-fueled brunch.

Female friendships, in their truest essence, are far more than just social gatherings. They are the essential, often invisible, infrastructure for our mental health, our emotional resilience, and our radical joy in a world that constantly demands more. 

Photo of Lilian Mbugua, the Brand Manager for Gilbeys at East African Breweries Plc (EABL).

This unique space, forged in trust and empathy, is where women can truly be their unfiltered selves. It’s where the masks drop, societal expectations dissipate, and vulnerability isn’t just permitted; it’s celebrated. Here, shared secrets become shared strength, and a knowing glance can communicate volumes that words never could.

Navigating the currents of modern life often feels like an unending marathon. The relentless pursuit of career goals, the invisible weight of the mental load, these pressures can leave us feeling stretched, depleted, and utterly alone. In this high-stakes environment, a circle of friends isn’t merely a pleasant diversion; it’s a vital lifeline.

It’s in these circles that resilience is quietly and fiercely built. When one of you stumbles, bruised by a setback or overwhelmed by exhaustion, it’s the collective spirit of your squad that rallies around you.

It’s the late-night call, the impromptu coffee, the shared silence of understanding, the roar of collective laughter that cleans the soul. These are the Real Moments that mend spirits, recalibrate perspectives, and remind us that we are never truly alone in our struggles or our triumphs.

Your friendships also protect something crucial: your sense of self. In a landscape that constantly demands you be more, do more, have it all, your friends are the ones who remind you that you're enough.

You're allowed to be human. You're allowed to rest. You're allowed to change your mind. That constant, gentle affirmation is not weakness; it’s survival.

And the beauty? You don’t need a grand plan or a fancy venue. These powerful connections can happen anywhere: in living rooms, over a coffee date, or on a nature walk. What matters is the intention: choosing connection on purpose, making time for the people who truly fill your cup.

For those occasions, the drink should always enhance the moment, not overshadow it. At Gilbey’s, we understand that these Real Moments of Connection are the true currency of life. We believe that every meaningful conversation, every heartfelt confession, every burst of joy deserves a setting that allows it to flourish. It's why we see Gilbey's not just as a spirit, but as an invitation, a quiet companion to the beautiful ritual of reconnection.

To help make those meet-ups a little easier to plan, Gilbey’s is running a Happy Hour offer: from Thursday to Sunday, Gilbey’s Special Dry Gin 750ml is available for Ksh 999 on ke.thebar.com Whether it’s for a Galentine’s catch-up, a weekend visit, or a well-earned evening of stories and laughter, the real point remains the same: showing up for each other.

So, here’s to the women who hold us up quietly, consistently, and without asking for credit. The friends who remind us of who we are, who we can be, and who we don’t have to face life alone. Here’s to sisterhood, the everyday architecture of resilience.

Do you have an opinion article to share with us? Reach us at opinion@viraltea.co.ke

Gilbeys Brand Ambassadors pose for a photo

In times of crisis, national institutions like Kenya Airways (KQ) attract no shortage of opinions—many well-meaning, some emotional, and others dangerously detached from fact. 

Healthy debate is not only welcome; it is necessary. But when commentary is framed as expert analysis while resting on half-truths and misrepresentations, it risks misleading the public and undermining a fragile recovery. A recent article by a former pilot purporting to diagnose how “KQ’s fortunes sank” and proposing a rescue plan fits squarely into this category.

While the intention may have been noble, the arguments presented collapse under basic scrutiny. Aviation is a highly regulated, capital-intensive, and globally interconnected industry. Any serious analysis must therefore be grounded in industry realities, not nostalgia or conjecture.

First, the portrayal of Kenya Airways’ regulatory fine by COMESA as an unprecedented African failure is misleading. Airlines across the world—from Europe to North America and Africa—are routinely fined by regulators for competition or consumer-rights breaches.

Such penalties are enforcement tools, not unique markers of institutional decay. To single out KQ as exceptional in this regard betrays either selective analysis or a misunderstanding of global aviation governance.

Equally flawed is the claim that KQ’s fleet restructuring signals strategic confusion or abandonment of long-haul ambition. In truth, fleet resizing and lease renegotiations were survival measures adopted by virtually every airline during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kenya Airways still operates Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners as the backbone of its long-haul network and is in the process of restoring grounded aircraft affected by global engine-part shortages—a problem that has crippled airlines worldwide, not just KQ.

Assertions that the airline lacks cargo capacity are demonstrably false. Cargo has, in fact, been one of Kenya Airways’ brighter spots. Freight and mail revenues have grown significantly, supported by the introduction of dedicated freighter aircraft and increased tonnage. In a period when passenger demand was volatile, cargo provided much-needed revenue stability—hardly the profile of an airline “without cargo capability.”

Some of the proposals advanced, such as transforming KQ into a vast aviation-industrial hub through partnerships with American manufacturing giants, sound ambitious but are strategically unrealistic.

Airlines are not industrial conglomerates. Their margins are thin, their capital requirements enormous, and their focus necessarily narrow. Successful diversification in aviation happens close to the core—cargo, maintenance, training—not through speculative industrial overreach.

The argument that KQ must own simulators for every aircraft type and build massive new cargo centres similarly ignores economic reality.

Full-flight simulators cost billions of shillings and only make sense with consistently high utilization. Kenya Airways already operates simulators and maintenance facilities where it is economically viable, while outsourcing the rest—standard global practice. Building redundant infrastructure is not a strategy; it is a waste.

Perhaps most concerning is the tendency to conflate governance with sectoral representation. A board is not meant to be a microcosm of tourism, horticulture, or aviation operations. Its mandate is fiduciary oversight, risk management, and strategic direction.

Operational expertise resides in management, supported by advisors. To suggest otherwise is to misunderstand basic principles of corporate governance.

Claims that KQ has exited the North American market are also inaccurate. The airline has expanded, not retreated, increasing frequencies on its New York route—one of its most strategically important intercontinental links. Financial engineering tools such as sale-and-leaseback arrangements should not be confused with market withdrawal.

Even more misleading is the presentation of a non-binding letter of intent in the emerging air mobility space as a multi-billion-shilling investment already incurred. Letters of intent secure future options; they are not capital expenditures. Treating them as such inflates figures and distorts financial reality.

Finally, comparisons between Kenya Airways and global giants like Delta Air Lines ignore scale, balance-sheet strength, and market context. Delta’s fleet decisions cannot be transplanted wholesale onto a smaller African carrier navigating legacy debt and post-pandemic recovery. Such analogies may sound compelling, but they add more heat than light.

Kenya Airways is not without its challenges. Legacy debt, historical missteps, and external shocks have left deep scars. But the airline has also recorded operational improvements, stabilized key routes, and strengthened cargo performance. Constructive criticism must acknowledge both sides of this ledger.

National carriers matter—not as symbols of blind patriotism, but as strategic economic assets. Their recovery deserves rigorous analysis grounded in fact, not the seductive simplicity of aviation folklore dressed up as expertise.

Kenya Airways does not need saviors armed with speculation. It needs informed debate, disciplined execution, and patience grounded in reality.

Fred Juma is the CEO of Soko Directory

Do you have an opinion article to share with us? Reach us at opinion@viraltea.co.ke

There is a good reason Kenya is recognised as the Silicon Savannah of Africa. It’s a befitting nickname for a leading tech and innovation hub, one that created M-Pesa, DigiFarm, M-KOPA, Wasoko, and Sendy, and many other impactful projects. 

This list goes on because Kenya for years has been recognised as a leader in impact investing across the region and a central player on the continent. This means that the country's entrepreneurship climate and infrastructure manage to drive investment that delivers not only financial returns but also real social impact. The same trend holds in the tech sector, where Kenya, alongside Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa, continues to dominate the investment landscape.

Technology is evolving rapidly and demanding more resources than ever. AI has changed the game, pushing government and businesses in Kenya to unite around major challenges. In 2025, infrastructure, structured AI governance, and institutional support for innovation have moved to the forefront. Let’s briefly examine the major technology-driven efforts that shaped the country this year.

Artificial Intelligence took center stage

Three major tech-driven development projects stood out. Cognisant of the increasing adoption of AI and other new technologies, the Kenyan government responded by launching the country’s first-ever National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy in March 2025.

A photo description of human beings interacting with Artificial Intelligence (AI). /FORBES

This is a roadmap on how Kenya will engage with and manage AI over the long term. It consists of three key pillars: 

• building AI digital infrastructure, 

• establishing a robust data ecosystem, and 

• fostering AI research and innovation to utilise this technology to its full potential

Around the same time the government unveiled the AI strategy, much of the debate evolved around fear of AI taking over people’s jobs. This fear is justified. Therefore, it makes sense that institutional efforts focus on positioning Kenya as an AI innovator rather than just a passive adopter.

The AI strategy will equip Kenyans with the technical know-hows needed to effectively leverage AI to produce homegrown solutions for different sectors of the economy, including public service, education, health, agriculture, creative industries, and many other sectors.

If successfully implemented, the Strategy will foster the growth of job opportunities, and address the youth unemployment crisis. It is also aimed at improving the business environment and making Kenya more attractive to international investors.

Kenya is thinking global

The year 2025 also witnessed the launch of TechPlomacy Connective, a first of its kind innovation platform designed to integrate diplomacy with emerging technologies.

The initiative is anchored on digital inclusion, AI governance, and public-private partnerships. The main goal is to position Kenya as a leading global tech powerhouse, and not just the Silicon Savannah of Africa. It will be another huge leap.

Embedding tech diplomacy into the country’s foreign policy and development agenda does something else: it communicates to the world that Kenya is ready to be part of the consequential conversations, negotiations and policy decisions that will reshape the global tech landscape.

This is a good thing on many fronts. For one, building a solid diplomatic relationship with the global tech ecosystems opens up Kenya to better investment opportunities, knowledge transfer, and more bilateral agreements that can benefit the citizens back home and abroad. It ensures Kenyan tech innovations are not confined to its borders.

Beyond diplomacy, Kenya gets infrastructure

In September 2025, the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy presided over the ground-breaking of Nxtra, which will become East Africa’s largest data centre.

Nxtra, a 44-megawatt facility by Airtel Africa Data Centre, is designed to provide secure and scalable infrastructure, namely manage and store huge amounts of data for businesses and governmental purposes. Its task is to handle complex, resource-intensive tasks, including AI workloads, graphics-heavy applications, and cloud computing operations.

The facility will strengthen Kenya's digital resilience, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises, while creating hundreds of jobs and boosting the region’s tech ecosystem.

Data centres are needed to power technologies such as AI, fintech, ecommerce, cloud computing, government digital services, startup ecosystems and much more. Our data sovereignty and security depends on building large-scale and powerful data centres like Nxtra, which will enhance security and reduce the cost of cloud services for businesses. More importantly, Kenya will become the investment destination of choice.

Media too has a role play

As technologies like artificial intelligence reshape industries and economies, the media plays a crucial role in keeping citizens informed and the business community engaged. 

Kenya belongs to the leading countries in terms of ChatGPT adoption, and one of the states where people spend the most time on social media. This shows that technologies have already become a significant part of everyday life. 

However, because AI can spread misinformation and poses certain risks in a largely unregulated digital space, media organisations must take responsibility for the content they produce and act as trustworthy mediators.

Read also: In Age of AI & Deepfakes, Trust In Local News Matters More Than Numbers

By clearly explaining what AI is and how it affects daily life, media outlets help audiences better understand and adapt to rapid technological change. Outlets such as Tuko.co.ke, Daily Nation, Techweez, Viral Tea etc have been actively working to guide readers on how technologies, including AI, can be navigated responsibly and used for positive impact.

Media sources should keep highlighting these developments to make citizens well informed and the business community engaged.

Looking back, Kenya made big leaps in its ambitious journey to become a global tech hub. We set the stage by launching the first-ever AI strategy, and scaled it up by unveiling the TechPlomacy Connective to integrate diplomacy with emerging technologies, another first. And to top it all, we witnessed the groundbreaking of East Africa’s largest data centre.

Jacob Onyango is the Editor-in-Chief at TUKO.co.ke

Do you have an opinion article to share with us? Reach us at opinion@viraltea.co.ke

The air at Masshouse on Saturday, November 1, was electric as the Mic Cheque Podcast wrapped up their successful ‘Cheque Mates Tour’ with a grand finale live recording. This event was a quiet victory for the entire Kenyan podcasting scene, all thanks to a forward-thinking partnership with Gilbey’s, a brand built on celebrating "Made for Real Moments."

In a market often dominated by traditional media, local podcasters have struggled to find significant corporate backing. Their growth, built on raw talent, authenticity, and a grassroots connection with their "cheque mates," has often been organic but financially lean.

The "Cheque Mates Tour," which successfully took the podcast from the screen to live stages in multiple cities before the Nairobi climax at a modern, dynamic venue like Masshouse, was a bold testament to their rising influence.

This is where the partner steps in, not as a peripheral sponsor, but as a genuine enabler, living up to its brand promise by backing truly authentic moments.

Mic Cheque's Cheque Mates Tour held at Masshouse. /PHOTO

The choice to align with Mic Cheque is a powerful demonstration of corporate commitment to authentic, unscripted content. The podcast's success is rooted in its candid, humorous, and sometimes chaotic conversations, the kind of genuine, unpolished human interactions that the brand champions under its "Made For Real Moments" banner. 

The live show at Masshouse embodied this perfectly. It was a shared, in-person moment of community. The sponsor provided the platform and the resources for the real moments to happen live, amplifying the podcasters' existing connection with their audience.

The financial support provided goes beyond mere branding; it represents a vital infusion of capital that allows content creators like the Mic Cheque team to authentically engage with their audiences.

A national tour is an expensive undertaking, but the backing made the multi-city Cheque Mates Tour a reality, proving that Kenyan podcasts have a national audience willing to pay for live experiences. Corporate support elevates the entire event, ensuring the production quality matches the passion. 

The live broadcast from Masshouse became a high-quality spectacle, raising the bar for all local digital creators. Crucially, a major brand partnership sends a powerful message to the wider corporate landscape: podcasting is a serious, legitimate, and highly engaged advertising and entertainment platform. By backing this "real moment" in local media history, Gilbey’s legitimizes the digital space.

By supporting the tour, the brand has essentially sent out a clarion call for the industry, signaling confidence in the ability of authentic, local voices to build communities and deliver real value.

The strategy is a masterclass in modern marketing. They are not chasing the largest, most generic audience; they are tapping into a deeply engaged, digitally native community that values honesty and authenticity. Podcasting audiences, known for their loyalty and trust in their hosts, are the ideal consumers for a brand looking to build a genuine, long-term relationship.

The success of the "Cheque Mates Tour" grand finale at Masshouse is a clear indicator that the podcasting space is ripe for investment. We have the talent, the audience, and the compelling content.

What we often lack is the initial capital and corporate validation to scale these ventures. The brand has shown the way, proving that a major company can truly align with and celebrate an authentic, youth-driven culture.

Now, other corporations should follow suit.They must recognize that supporting local podcasters is not charity; it's a strategic investment in the future of Kenyan media, culture, and real moments of consumer engagement.

The next great Kenyan story, conversation, or comedy skit is being recorded right now. Who will step up to write the next "cheque" and help bring it to the world?

Lilian Mbugua is the Brand Manager for Gilbeys.

Energy costs, such as the cost of electricity and fossil fuels, directly contribute to the aggregate output of a country.  Energy costs affect manufacturing, agriculture, transport, domestic, and commercial sectors by contributing to the operating costs.

Higher costs translate to a reduction in profits and or an increase in the prices of goods and services. Low-middle-income countries like Kenya, which are working towards upper-middle-income status, should establish measures to lower the cost of energy.

Energy efficiency processes can reduce the cost of energy. In Kenya, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (the Authority) has the mandate to entrench energy efficiency and conservation in the energy market.

The Authority executes this through two major programs: energy management and standards and labeling programs. In February 2025, the Energy (Energy Management) Regulations 2025 were published, with the aim of improving energy efficiency in designated facilities.  

The Energy (Energy Management) Regulations 2025 require that any facility (commercial, industrial, or institutional) that consumes more than 180,000 kWh of thermal and electrical energy should institute energy management programs.  

A photo of EPRA's logo. /FILE

The designated facilities are required to conduct energy audits at least once every four years. Thereafter, the facilities are expected to implement the energy audit recommendations to achieve at least fifty (50) percent of the recommended energy savings.

In addition, the regulations require designated facilities to embed energy management practices into their day-to-day activities. These practices include appointment of a licensed energy manager; development of an energy management policy; undertaking energy audits; and preparation of an energy investment and implementation plan to prioritize and guide the implementation of the identified energy conservation measures. 

Establishment of energy performance benchmarks for various sectors is another energy efficiency initiative that has been instituted by the regulations. Designated facilities will be expected to meet their sectors’ energy performance benchmarks as published by the Authority.

Designated facilities that meet the energy performance benchmarks may apply to the Authority for an energy savings certificate. The certificate will indicate the tradable energy savings credits that can be sold to facilities that do not meet their benchmarks.

The regulations will also facilitate the licensing of Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) in Kenya. The ESCOs are expected to unlock the potential for the implementation of energy efficiency projects through the provision of structured financial products and technical expertise to the facilities. ESCOs will therefore play an important role in boosting private investments in the implementation of energy efficiency projects. 

In addition, the establishment of a Super ESCO by the African Development Bank will foster the growth of the ESCO industry in Kenya. It is expected that the Super ESCO will facilitate the development and implementation of energy efficiency projects (including the financing), but subcontract implementation to private-sector ESCOs.

The public sector entities have generally lagged their private sector peers in undertaking energy efficiency projects, and the super ESCO could play an important role by establishing a revolving fund to support the implementation of these projects.

The Authority expects that the resulting reduction in the cost of production, from the energy savings realized, will be passed on to consumers through reduced prices of products. This could enhance Kenya’s competitiveness both regionally and globally. 

Furthermore, the attendant reduction in GHG emissions will contribute to the achievement of  Kenya’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

The writers are energy efficiency specialists at the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).

Global travel is booming again, while at the same time, border threats are increasing. This dual problem is putting government border agencies under tremendous pressure: they need to maintain national security while providing smooth and efficient travel flows. 

Yet outdated manual and analogue systems cannot keep up. This is where modern border tech comes in. Today’s modern digital platforms bring together travel authorisations, biometrics and real-time risk checks to keep things secure and moving fast. 

It is not just about speed. Governments need the tools to act quickly, confidently, and smartly. These are the “Big Five” challenges border agencies face - and how digital tools are helping them stay ahead.

1. Doing more with less

Budgets are tight. Staff are stretched thin. And the tech is often outdated. Meanwhile, traveller numbers keep climbing while various threats are increasing and evolving.

Digital tools help address these problems.  For instance, online electronic travel authorisations and e-Visas let travellers apply online from anywhere with no need for in-person consular visits. 

A photo of Andy Smith, the Director, Industry and Innovation at SITA (Société Internationale de Télécommunications Aéronautiques)

Real-time updates to entry rules become easy to do with Advance Passenger Processing (APP), and it does not require systems overhauls. Biometric automated border control gates (a.k.a. eGates or ABC gates) and kiosks speed up ID checks, so border agency officers can focus their attention on the high-risk travellers.

The results are lower costs, faster passenger processing, stronger security and smoother traveller journeys through airport and cruise terminal passport checkpoints.

2. Keeping up with changing rules

Border policies can shift fast—thanks to politics, global events, and new rules. Agencies must stay in step with international standards, industry frameworks and regulations from the likes of the UN International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) One ID, the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and its Entry/Exit System.

Rigid systems cannot keep pace. But more flexible digital ones can. Dynamic Advance Passenger Processing lets governments change entry criteria easily and share information with airlines to approve or deny boarding based on identity, documentation and risk profiles. This allows government agencies to be flexible, compliant and ready for whatever comes next.

3. Staying ahead of health risks

COVID-19 showed just how vulnerable manual border checks can be.  The health threats created long lines, lots of contact between border agents and passengers, along with slow health screenings.

Now, digital systems are built with health in mind. Travellers can upload test results or vaccine records before they fly for verification.

Self-service eGates and kiosks with facial recognition make for fast, contactless entry or exit processing, and everything updates in real time. It’s safer, faster, more accurate and gives travellers peace of mind.

4. Responding to mass migration/displacement

Wars, natural disasters, and economic crises are forcing millions to move. Borders need to handle sudden surges while treating these people with care and dignity.

Digital tools help make that possible. In a digital clearance process, Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) serve as the first layer, pre-screening travellers before they begin their journey. At departure, APP links to this data, allowing airlines to verify authorisation and to approve or deny boarding in real-time.

Upon arrival, eGates use biometric checks to match travellers with their cleared records by automating and efficiently finalising the clearance process. Together, these systems create a continuous, risk-based control flow from pre-travel to arrival.

For border agencies, it’s about staying in control, knowing who's coming and going, while being compassionate, even while under time pressure.

5. Stopping organised crime

Transnational Criminal Organisations exploit border weaknesses to illicitly move drugs, weapons, counterfeit goods and to traffic people. Manual checks alone can’t stop them.

Digital platforms offer a smarter defence. Governments can conduct real-time risk profiling using Passenger Name Record (PNR) data, APP integration with watchlists, biometric collection with ETAs, and travel histories to flag suspicious travellers. 

Integrated biometric clearance links eGates and kiosks with digital travel applications, so only verified travellers can use automated lanes. This enables instant watchlist checks.

This strategic transformation empowers governments to intercept threats before they arrive.

The future of Borders is smart, safe, and seamless

The right tech will provide enhanced security, together with smooth and fast travel. Modern border solutions help governments protect people, stay compliant, respond to health and humanitarian needs, and help economies to be competitive, attracting investments, trade, travel and tourism, while enhancing the traveller experience.

This isn’t just an upgrade. It’s a whole new strategic way of thinking about modern borders - built for today but ready for tomorrow.

Andy Smith is the Director, Industry and Innovation at SITA (Société Internationale de Télécommunications Aéronautiques), the global airline industry-owned IT-tech and solutions provider.  He is an expert on border management, immigration, digital identities, digital travel and aviation security.

Imagine waking up to a viral video of your president announcing an abrupt change in national policy, only to discover later it never happened. Or a widely shared clip of an influencer endorsing a scam investment, created entirely by artificial intelligence.

In a world where deepfakes can look more convincing than reality, the question isn’t just what’s true, it’s who you can trust.

We are living through a historic turning point in information. AI can now create realistic audio, video, and images that are nearly impossible for the untrained eye to distinguish from the real thing. Tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, and dozens of open-source video generators are advancing so fast that yesterday’s “impossible” is today’s “downloadable.”

In much of Africa, where access is mobile-first and apps like WhatsApp are central to news sharing, falsehoods can spread rapidly. The Reuters Institute’s Digital News Report 2025 finds that global trust in news remains near 40 per cent, while social platforms and online personalities, e.g, influencers, continue to be key vectors of misinformation.

For many media outlets, the race for survival has been measured in clicks, views, and impressions. But here’s the truth: in an AI-saturated world, numbers mean nothing if audiences stop believing you.

When trust erodes, everything else follows: ad revenue, audience loyalty and even a community’s shared sense of reality. This isn’t just a media industry problem; it’s a societal risk.

Local newsrooms are uniquely positioned to counter AI-driven misinformation because of their proximity, networks, and cultural literacy. TUKO.co.ke has demonstrated this strength firsthand. Its journalists verify every story before publication, calling sources directly, cross-checking facts, and reviewing content to ensure it meets the highest journalistic standards.

This commitment to accuracy and credibility has earned TUKO.co.ke significant recognition. In 2025, it was named the Top Digital Publisher with the Most Weekly Online Reach in Kenya by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism.

The Media Council of Kenya also recognised the platform as the Most Popular News Website in the Country in the 2023/2024 State of the Media Report. Most recently, TUKO.co.ke received the Bobea Leadership Award, where it was honoured as one of the most trusted news sources in Kenya.

Yet trust alone cannot defend against the emerging threats of AI-driven misinformation. In Nigeria’s 2023 elections, deepfake audio falsely depicting a candidate conceding defeat went viral, potentially influencing voter behaviour. In Kenya, coordinated campaigns circulated AI-generated images, ranging from protestors waving flags to staged scenes, that distorted public perception before authorities could intervene. 

Without credible local media to step in, these fakes can and do spread unchecked. Yes, algorithms can help detect fake content, but the real battle will be won with trust capital. That means doubling down on verification and showing audiences how stories are vetted to build transparency and loyalty.

It also means investing in media literacy, because helping readers recognise AI-generated content is now part of public service journalism. And it means collaborating across outlets, since a united fact-checking ecosystem makes it harder for misinformation to survive.

In the age of AI and deepfakes, audiences have a new civic duty: to value accuracy over virality and to support the outlets that consistently deliver truth. AI can imitate voices, faces and emotions, but it cannot fake the bond between a newsroom and the community it serves.

That relationship, built through years of accurate, transparent and responsible reporting, is what will carry us through the misinformation storms ahead. 

More than ever, trust in local news matters far more than numbers.

Righa Sedellar is a PR Officer at TUKO.co.ke

At the end of 2023, the government announced Kenya had just lived its hottest year on record, up 0.37 degrees on the year before, only to be topped by 2024, which was hotter still.

The Kenya Meteorological Department has not released the country’s average temperature for 2024, but it now seems likely that the country is gaining a degree every 3 to 5 years, which is generating an explosion in crop pests and disease-carrying insects. Under these conditions, insects, viruses and bacterial diseases all grow faster at higher temperatures: they spread further, breed faster, survive better, and grow larger.

At base, scientists calculate that each 1 degree rise in temperature causes an extra 10 to 20 per cent of crop destruction by pests. But that assumes a mix of ordinary pests and ongoing pest control.

Certainly, up until and including 2023, Kenyan farmers were just about coping: maize production was ahead that year despite the heat, with official reports saying this was due to the improved rain. A nationwide survey of farmers found two-thirds faced varying degrees of Fall Armyworm (FAW) infestation, but they were reporting it was under control.

A photo of Anthony M. Kioko, the CEO of Cereal Growers Association. /PHOTO

Only then, the government banned a set of its approved pesticides, including the two most robust and affordable pesticides for FAW control, and that is where climate change and government policy collided.

Maize production fell by 6 per cent in 2024, on average and better than average rainfall. The government has been at pains to ascribe this to erratic rainfall, which did affect some areas, as they also had in previous years. But it has not been quite so diligent in reporting last year’s resurgence in FAW..

Yet a study in Egypt, published in 2020, foundthat  at an average temperature of 20 degrees, the life cycle of FAW, from egg to laying eggs of the next generation, was 72 days. At 25 degrees, it fell to 40 degrees.

This makes an unbelievably large difference. Each FAW moth lays 1000 - 2000 eggs. At 40 days, and nine generations in a year, the member of FAW in a year from one female rises to 38.4 septillion, which almost has no meaning except that it is followed by 27 zeros, versus the 15 zeros from one female at 20 degrees. 

Similar accelerations happen for other pests, like chafer grubs, cutworms and aphids. That puts huge pressure on pest control. Yet there are few alternatives to pesticides that are able to control some of these.

For FAW, biological controls include parasitic wasps that consume the worm. But only 140,000 of these have ever been released and so far protect less than 2 per cent of Kenya’s maize farmers.

There are also organic pesticides, but none that have been found to clear more than 55 per cent of the worm, leaving the other 45 per cent to destroy the crop and generate quadrillions of new FAW each year.

Yet, because the government has framed pest control as an ideological battle, the science and facts have themselves become contentious. This has seen those who report that pests are harming production cast as ‘cartels’, ‘infecting’ the regulator and Ministry of Agriculture officials’, according to government.

But this seeming shift to an ideological battle has seen the government step away from managing the intended transition in a structured manner, and this poses a danger to our food system. 

The government decided not to conduct an assessment of which pests the banned chemicals were controlling, or any assessment of which alternatives were available to (all) farmers and how effective they are. Yet the World Health Organisation and the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organisation guide that these assessments are vital ahead of any pesticide ban.

As it is, the majority of Kenyan farmers want to use fewer pesticides, which saves them costs, and are keen on alternatives. But without information, or any regard for gaps where there are no alternatives, this approach is just cutting food production needlessly and painfully.

We need to now review what pests were being controlled and the alternatives and manage this transition so it does not keep building maize and food blights and shortages.

Anthony M. Kioko is the CEO of Cereal Growers Association.

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This isn't just a leadership change; it’s a cultural earthquake. Her departure marks the end of an era while simultaneously solidifying her legacy as an icon who knows exactly when to make her next power move—an archetype so enduring, it arguably helped shape one of Hollywood’s most iconic fashion figures.

With her signature pageboy haircut and famously unflinching editorial eye, Wintour is widely believed to have inspired the character of Miranda Priestly in Lauren Weisberger’s 2003 best-seller The Devil Wears Prada.

The 2006 film adaptation, directed by David Frankel and starring Meryl Streep, became an instant cultural touchstone. It offered a sharply satirical yet deeply human glimpse into the cutthroat, glittering realm of high fashion—a world long dominated by figures like Wintour.

Streep’s performance, which earned her an Academy Award nomination, captured the icy perfection and quiet torment of a woman at the top of her field. The Devil Wears Prada wasn’t just a movie—it was a mirror held up to an industry in flux.

Through the fictional Runway Magazine—a clear stand-in for Vogue—the film explored the stakes of surviving (and thriving) in an era where glossy print was colliding with a rising digital tide.

Miranda’s razor-sharp wit and wardrobe conveyed more than style; they spoke a language of control, legacy, and ambition. Characters like Andy Sachs, Nigel, and Emily revealed the human cost of that pursuit.

More than a satire, the film continues to spark conversations about gender, leadership, and work-life balance in high-pressure careers. Miranda Priestly personified the paradox of power and isolation—an echo of what many real-world women leaders have faced in breaking glass ceilings during the early 21st century.

But while Miranda Priestly is fictional, Anna Wintour’s influence is very real—and still evolving. She was made a dame by the late Queen Elizabeth II for services to fashion and journalism in 2017, and was made a Companion of Honour by King Charles earlier this year.

Her decision to step aside as Editor-in-Chief while remaining Global Chief Content Officer for Condé Nast and Global Editorial Director of Vogue isn’t a retreat. It’s a strategic evolution.

Far too often, leaders cling to their positions until their relevance fades. Not Anna. She’s choosing transformation over stagnation, ensuring Vogue remains vital by making space for new vision while retaining her unmatched global authority. It’s a case study in knowing when to let go without letting go of power.

As a young journalist, I am profoundly inspired by Anna Wintour. Her journey—from a school dropout to one of the most influential media executives in the world—is a testament to vision, resilience, and the power of instinct.

Her move proves that true success isn't just about how long you stay at the helm. It’s about knowing how to evolve, when to exit, and how to leave behind a legacy that empowers the future.

Ooro George is a journalist, editor-at-large, cross-cultural curator and corporate media professional.

Do you have an opinion article to share with us? Reach us at opinion@viraltea.co.ke

Anna Wintour poses for a photo at her New York City office located at One World Trade Centre. /VOGUE

Kenya is a nation pulsating with creativity, a vibrant cultural heritage, and an undeniable youthful energy. While we often discuss traditional economic drivers like agriculture and technology, it's increasingly clear that our creative sector holds immense, yet largely untapped, potential. It's not just "art"; it's an economic powerhouse that we, as the private sector, must harness to ensure inclusive growth, leaving no one behind. 

Globally, the creative economy is proving to be a dynamic engine for trade and development. Its contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ranges from 0.5% to 7.3% across different countries, employing between 0.5% and 12.5% of the workforce. 

In 2022 alone, creative services exports surged by 29% to $1.4 trillion (Ksh180.9 trillion), with creative goods exports reaching $713 billion (Ksh92.1 trillion), a 19% increase. Digitalisation, driven by advancements like Artificial Intelligence (AI), is transforming this landscape, making global markets more accessible for individual creators and revolutionising content creation and distribution. 

Kenya's creative economy is growing at an impressive rate, 60% faster than other global economies, with projections suggesting it could double its economic output. Currently, the arts, recreation, and entertainment industry accounts for 5% of our nation's GDP and 0.25% of total wage employment. This signifies a critical opportunity, especially given Kenya's burgeoning youthful population seeking job creation and employment. 

At Smirnoff, we recognise the profound connection between cultural vibrancy and economic prosperity. This recognition is at the heart of our investment in homegrown talent, particularly through initiatives like the Smirnoff Battle of the Beats (SBOB). Far more than just a competition, SBOB has evolved into a powerful creative movement and a platform for culture, creativity, and connection. 

Portrait photo of Jonathan Kemboi-Shopper Marketing Manager, Smirnoff TM. /PHOTO

Over the past two years, SBOB has consciously reached every corner of Kenya – from the Lake to the Coast, Rift Valley, Mt. Kenya, and Nairobi – to tap into the diverse talent present nationwide. Each audition round saw over 20 contestants, with more than 100 DJs showcasing their skills, dreams, and unique energy. This nationwide reach is deliberate: it amplifies voices that might otherwise go unheard, ensuring that talent in every corner of this country finds a stage. 

A crucial aspect of SBOB's impact is its commitment to career building. By partnering with prominent media outlets like Viral Tea, the competition's five-week finale series reached a broad audience, providing vital visibility for these emerging artists. 

Winners, like DJ Insta from the  Lake Region, receive not just recognition but a comprehensive prize package including top-tier DJ equipment, ongoing brand support, and future performance opportunities through Smirnoff’s experiences. We also take the time to honour other top DJs, applauding their creativity and fan followings. This multifaceted support reflects our dedication to elevating and celebrating exceptional talent within the Kenyan DJing community, positioning music as a core cultural pillar.

This commitment aligns with the broader national agenda to transform the creative sector into a sustainable industry that supports decent livelihoods, as highlighted by the State Department for Culture, Arts, and Heritage. Efforts to formalise arts education, such as the Kenya Cultural Centre's pioneering work in developing a formal curriculum for poetry,  further underscore the move towards recognising creative fields as viable career paths.

By equipping artists with skills in performance, production, marketing, and intellectual property management, we formalise creative careers and broaden the scope of technical education.  Smirnoff's initiatives, while in the informal sector, parallel this ambition by providing structured pathways for professional growth and recognition. 

Hosted under our overarching "We Do We" campaign, SBOB Season 3 powerfully underscores Smirnoff’s deep dedication to diversity, inclusion, and collective creativity. It embodies the boldness and authenticity that we champion, showcasing how the brand truly lives inside culture. Our goal is to create spaces and experiences where "we all can experience inclusive joy," thereby fostering self-expression, empowering emerging talent, and creating lasting cultural impact. 

The creative economy's significance extends beyond purely economic metrics. It is a powerful tool for national cohesion, innovation, and addressing critical societal issues like climate change and social justice. Young people are already leveraging their creativity to raise awareness and drive action on pressing issues, demonstrating the sector’s capacity to shape public discourse and mobilise communities. 

However, government support and one-off funding are not enough. As the creative economy faces global challenges like market concentration, fostering a resilient ecosystem demands long-term relationships and strategic partnerships from creative investors and stakeholders,  alongside exploring alternative, sector-responsive funding mechanisms. 

Smirnoff remains steadfastly committed to expanding these cultural touchpoints, continuing to amplify the voices, flavours, and beats that make Kenya special. Through sustained investment in formalising arts education, offering robust capacity-building programmes,  fostering sustainable partnerships, and creating competitive markets, we can collectively unlock the full potential of our creative industries.

This will not only transform the arts into a dynamic and sustainable economic sector but also enhance employability and enrich our cultural and social fabric, ensuring that the beat of progress continues for all Kenyans. 

Jonathan Kemboi is the Shopper Marketing Manager for Smirnoff TM

In 2025, Kenya, its farmers, and its consumers will be delivering a world demonstration of why scientists have been pleading for government policies on pest control to be evidence-based, as they instead get swept up into a tide of misinformation.

For, with its ban of eight pesticides on political grounds now ravaging its exports, slashing its domestic food production, and sparking a surge in food prices that will be greater, this year, than for any other country in Africa, it has set out on a path that recently took Sri Lanka to famine and near-complete economic collapse.

Yet it is now so ‘groomed’ by a group of extravagantly funded activists that it shows no sign of stopping..

It has been an imperative for these activists to present themselves as ‘saviours’ of the people from mass poisoning in order to raise huge private donations, but what no one has confronted is the degree to which this has moved them into dishonesty.

Photo of Ojepat Okisegere, Farmer and CEO of Fresh Produce Consortium of Kenya.

A case in point is a pesticide called Chlorothalonil, one of the world’s most widely used fungicides. In Kenya, it has been the crop protection of choice for diseases from potato and tomato blight to mildew, botrytis, and black spot; as well as stem, yellow, and leaf rust on wheat, and coffee berry disease.

The campaign against pesticides in Kenya homed in on Chlorothalonil precisely because it is so widely used, with moves such as testing vegetables to show they have detectable residues. 

However, no one would care about residues less toxic than a cup of coffee, so they needed to present Chlorothalonil as poisonous. Thus, in rounds of press releases, reports, and briefings, the group deceived journalists and the public alike, claiming the residues were from a highly hazardous pesticide (HHP).

Highly hazardous pesticides, classed as 1b by the World Health Organisation (WHO), are not allowed to be sold to the public in Kenya, except rat poisons. For crops, the Pest Control Products Board deems them an excessive risk because so few farmers follow the application instructions.

But Chlorothalonil is not an HHP. When it is ingested, as in eaten and drunk, it has been found through extensive testing to be non-toxic, but it can cause eye irritation if it gets into people’s eyes - less than the irritation caused by laundry detergent, but still painful - which sees it classified by the World Health Organisation as a Class 2 Moderately Hazardous Pesticide.

However, protecting people from chemicals that are ‘toxic’ HHPs brings in far greater donations, so the activists made up their classification and reclassified Chlorothalonil as an HHP.

To make it poisonous too, when it has a clean card on poisoning anyone, they turned to cancer. Chlorathalonil is not a carcinogen, nor even a probable carcinogen. It sits in a cancer risk classification by the International Agency for Cancer Research, Class 2b, where there is no actual linkage to cancer risks, but it remains a possibility - coffee was similarly classified by the IARC as a Class 2b cancer risk for 25 years. 

By contrast, hot beverages are Class 2a ‘probable’ carcinogens, as is red meat, while in Class 1, which covers established carcinogens, sit both sausages and bacon.

So the toxic cancer risk the activists saved us all from is equivalent to coffee, except if you drink it hot, in which case, coffee is more risky than Chlorothalonil.

And, for this, our fresh vegetable exports have halved as producers are left without control of powdery mildew, downy mildew, botrytis and a host of other diseases. Our coffee exports are plummeting as coffee berry disease and coffee berry borer savage our cherries. Fall Armyworm is resurging, so too is the Maize Lethal Necrosis virus, carried by the leafhoppers and aphids, whose protection has also been removed.

Nor has the deceit ended there. The activists frequently cite bans in Europe as proving that pesticides are dangerous, knowing full well that in 2019, the European Union adopted a Green Deal climate change strategy that committed to phasing out half of all pesticides, regardless of health and safety data. Moreover, in 2009, Europe had adopted a regulation removing the need for any evidence of harm (from the compulsory tests) to trigger pesticide bans, and allowing precautionary bans where there was no such evidence.

Chlorothalonil is one of now dozens of EU precautionary bans that have sparked sometimes violent protests by farmers as it works to meet its 50% strategic banning target - which is why, to this day, Chlorothalonil is still protecting US farmers and farmers all over the world based on its actual levels of health and environmental impact.

And then there is the fourth pillar of deceit, which has made a mockery of our elected politicians. The activists in 2019 petitioned parliament to have Chlorothalonil and a bevvy of similarly faked ‘toxins’ banned, thus forcing consideration by the parliamentary health committee.

The committee’s honourable members, being elected politicians, were moved by the horror of Kenyans eating all that toxic, carcinogenic food every day. But, as non-scientists, they did not probe into the scientific facts, nor even the oddity of all those HHPs knocking around in a country that doesn’t allow HHP sales to farmers.

Instead, they pressurised the PCPB to ban the ‘horrifically toxic’ Chlorothalonil, and seven other pesticides too. Moreover, they decided against any impact assessment on food security, because the activists told them the bans would have no impact on food production.

That breached FAO and WHO guidance in ensuring alternatives exist before banning, and left dozens of pests for which there is no organic control in existence, without protection in Kenya.

As ever more farmers and groups working with smallholders report the consequently mounting food losses, the truth will come out. The only remaining question is whether we are going to have to be like Sri Lanka, as far as spiralling food prices, starving families, and havoc to lives, human health, and livelihoods, to realise that pests destroy food. 

After that, maybe we can look at the deceit those fundraisers inflicted on everyone and ensure their claims, too, are properly checked.

Ojepat Okisegere is a farmer and the CEO of Fresh Produce Consortium of Kenya

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Africa holds 60 percent of the world’s untapped arable land, a resource that could not only nourish our growing population but also position the continent as a global breadbasket. 

As we continually reflect on our planet's health, we must recognise soils as renewable powerhouses, akin to solar and wind energy, demanding a parallel revolution in sustainable agriculture. Healthy soils sequester carbon, enhance biodiversity, and build climate resilience. 

Yet systemic gaps in supply services of farm inputs, inappropriate agronomic advisory services, and inadequate local fertiliser production perpetuate degraded soils, stagnant yields, and climate vulnerability. Africa’s smallholder farmers, who are the backbone of food systems only apply just 18kg of fertiliser per hectare in average in Sub-Saharan Africa, accounting for 13 percent of the global average. 

The Africa Fertiliser and Soil Health Summit Declaration, endorsed by heads of state in May 2024 in Nairobi, sets bold targets of tripling domestic fertiliser production, rehabilitating 30 percent of degraded land, and equipping 70 percent of smallholders with tailored guidance by 2034. 

Photo of Dr Diallo Asseta, a Senior Program Officer, Soil Fertility and Fertiliser Systems at AGRA. /HANDOUT

Several countries have begun integrating the declaration’s commitments into their National Agricultural Investment Plans, with governments like Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Ethiopia initiating policy reviews to prioritise domestic fertiliser production and soil health investments.

The imperative is clear: investing in soil health is not just an agricultural strategy; it is a fundamental pillar for food security, economic growth, and climate adaptation across Africa. Actionable investments are therefore critical at the National level to empower local fertiliser ventures, digital soil health platforms, and last-mile input distribution networks, which can ignite rural economies. 

Just as the ongoing shift towards renewable energy is lifting communities from poverty, a sustained commitment to sustainable farming practices will reduce malnutrition, build resilience against environmental shocks, and curb emissions for generations to come. 

The Food and Land Use Coalition (FOLU), co-convened by AGRA in 2023, emphasises the need for policy coherence and collaboration. Governments must fund soil labs, soil mapping, extension services, and rural infrastructure, while partners align initiatives with national priorities to avoid fragmentation.

This transition requires going beyond external aid to grow domestic resource mobilisation and innovative financing models. Africa’s digital revolution, with 60 percent of farmers owning mobile phones, can democratize access to agronomic advice and market data, bridging critical gaps.

These solutions must respect local knowledge and ecology. The “4 Rs” of nutrient stewardship—right source, right rate, right time, and right place—must adapt to contexts from Kenya’s highlands to Senegal’s drylands, ensuring practices are both scalable and sustainable.

Africa’s soil revolution is a strategic imperative. Continuous commitment to restoring degraded soils could vastly boost yields, shifting Africa from food importer to agricultural leader. Each dollar invested in soil health is estimated to yield $10 (Ksh1,299) in economic returns via nutrition, jobs, and environmental benefits. By blending innovation with tradition, and global expertise with local leadership, we can cultivate thriving ecosystems alongside prosperous communities.

AGRA and its partners are poised to advance this vision, but success demands unity. Governments, businesses, NGOs, and farmers must all rally around this movement, recognising soil health as the core of Africa’s green growth. Just as sunlight fuels solar panels, healthy soils energise societies.

Let us harness this renewable force to forge a resilient, nourished, healthy and equitable future for Africa and the world.

Dr Diallo Asseta is a Senior Program Officer, Soil Fertility and Fertiliser Systems at AGRA

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Bird's eye view of a farm in Kenya. /AGFUNDER NEWS

When most people think about aviation, they imagine passengers boarding planes, business travellers in transit, or families reunited.

What they rarely consider is what lies beneath—the tonnes of goods that move through the belly of aircraft, silently powering global trade and driving economic transformation.

However, the numbers tell a compelling story. According to Boeing’s World Air Cargo Forecast (WACF) (2022 -2041) - a biennial addendum to the Commercial Market Outlook, air cargo represents less than one percent of total trade volume but accounts for over 35 percent of trade by value globally. Yet, this sector’s strategic importance is often underappreciated. 

Africa’s aspirations—be it through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), food security targets, or digital transformation agendas—essentially hinge on the free and fast movement of goods. Air cargo, therefore, is not merely a logistics function for the continent; it is the lifeblood of modern commerce, a vital trade facilitator, and an economic equaliser.

In a continent where land transport can be slow or inefficient and maritime routes often bypass key inland markets, air cargo offers a crucial link to regional and global supply chains.

It connects farmers to export markets, empowers Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) through e-commerce platforms, and integrates manufacturers into just-in-time global supply chains, effectively transforming geographical distance into a competitive advantage. 

From Nairobi to Amsterdam, from Accra to Guangzhou, the freighters and aircraft of carriers like Kenya Airways are conduits of possibility, not just for people, but for goods. Consider fresh flowers from Naivasha - Kemya reaching European florists in under 24 hours, sensitive pharmaceuticals transported across the continent with required precision, or urgent medical supplies delivered in times of crisis. 

In 2024, African carriers recorded an 8.5 percent increase in cargo volumes, with capacity growing by 13.6 percent according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This growth was largely linked to the continent’s agricultural exports, especially perishables. As fresh produce fuels this growth, this unseen world of air cargo deserves a front-row seat in conversations about Africa’s economic growth

To advance regional trade and meet growing demand for air cargo services across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, Kenya Airways expanded its cargo operations in the year ended with the addition of two Boeing 737-800 freighters and investments in infrastructure such as Pharma cold room which is certified by IATA(CEIV) and Cold storage facility for perishable cargo.

These strategic interventions resulted in a 25 percent increase in cargo capacity and expanded the airline’s operational reach to key destinations, including the Middle East, India, Eldoret (Kenya), and several cities in West Africa.

However, realising the full potential of air cargo in Africa requires a concerted effort. Governments, regulators, and private sector actors must align to prioritise their development.

This necessitates investing in airport infrastructure, digitising customs processes, harmonising regulatory frameworks, and providing support for local producers to scale to international markets. Fundamentally, it means treating cargo as a strategic lever of trade.

Furthermore, building a robust air cargo ecosystem demands a focus on capacity building. Skilled manpower, from handlers and logistics experts to data analysts, is essential. As demand grows for integrated, tech-enabled logistics solutions, Africa must proactively train a workforce ready to seize these opportunities. This is not solely about aircraft; it’s about people, skills, and systems working harmoniously to deliver excellence.

Environmental sustainability is another critical dimension. As global cargo demand increases, so too does scrutiny on emissions. Airlines are increasingly adopting sustainable practices, including fuel-efficient routing, digitised documentation to reduce paper waste, and exploring green partnerships.

Ultimately, the conversation about air cargo transcends mere freight. It is primarily about trade and Africa’s ability to compete and thrive in the global marketplace. It is about empowering our entrepreneurs with the tools they need to scale, ensuring that a farmer in Kenya or a designer in Lagos can reach customers in Dubai, London, or New York.

If we are truly serious about unlocking Africa’s economic potential, then we must be equally serious about investing in the systems that move its goods, and air cargo must be a central pillar of that investment.

Peter Musola is the Head of Cargo Commercial at Kenya Airways

This dynamic is at the heart of Adolescence, the latest British hit mini series currently streaming on Netflix, which explores the turbulent, raw emotions of teen—rage, rebellion, and the painful transition from innocence to the harsh realities of justice system. 

Through its gripping portrayal of a 13-year-old male caught in a situation beyond his control, the show delves deep into the complexities of family, identity, and how we confront the darker sides of ourselves.

By far Netflix’s most harrowing release of 2025, Adolescence is shot in a single continuous motion, and pulls viewers into the unraveling world of Jamie Miller, who is accused of murdering his classmate, Katie.

Erin Doherty and Owen Cooper in 'Adolescence'. /NETFLIX

Directed by Philip Barantini, the show begins with police storming into the bedroom of 13-year-old Jamie (Owen Cooper) in a northern English town, arresting him on suspicion of stabbing his classmate, Katie, to death. Co-creator Stephen Graham stars as Jamie’s father, Eddie, whose family is devastated by the shocking allegations.

While the first episode centers on Jamie’s arrest and entry into the criminal justice system, the second shifts focus to the investigation. Authorities search for the murder weapon and comb through Jamie and Katie’s social media messages to piece together the nature of their relationship. The gripping third episode centers on an intense exchange between Jamie and psychologist Briony Ariston. 

The entire story unfolds over 13 months and concludes in the fourth and final episode, where Jamie makes an unexpected confession to his father. 

So, why Did Jamie Kill Kate? Jamie killed Katie because of a combination of factors, including his lack of self-esteem, perceived bullying at school, and access to online incel propaganda. 

During a counseling session, Jamie tells the therapist that he asked Katie out after a topless photo of her was sent among classmates on Snapchat as an act of revenge porn. But Katie rejected him and later sent emojis mocking him for asking. However, it’s after she publicly called him an incel on Instagram that pushes him over the edge. He stabs her shortly after.

The writers previously shared that the series was inspired by the knife-crime epidemic in the U.K. and an exploration of male rage.

Stephen Graham told Vanity Fair, a US culture magazine, that he was initially unfamiliar with the 'manosphere'—a controversial network of websites, blogs, forums, and online communities centered on men’s rights, male interests, and opposition to feminism. 

Jack Thorne, another co-creator of the show, told a US newspaper, the Los Angeles Times, that he wanted to move beyond the typical narrative of blaming the parents. Instead, he sought to examine other factors that could influence Jamie’s behavior, including the rise of incel culture online. The Anti-Defamation League, defines incels as “heterosexual men who blame women and society for their lack of romantic success.

After Jamie admits his guilty plea, his parents have a heartfelt conversation about where they went wrong. Manda raises questions about Jamie’s temper and regrets not monitoring his computer usage more closely, while Eddie is still traumatized by the CCTV footage of the murder.

In the final scene, Jamie’s father steps into his son's untouched room and breaks down, burying his face in his pillow. He apologizes to Jamie’s teddy bear, a symbolic stand-in for his son. “I’m sorry, son, I should’ve done better,” he says.

Thorne added that the series was also driven by an exploration of male rage. As he, Graham, and director Philip Barantini reflected on their own identities as men, fathers, partners, and friends, they found themselves “questioning with some intensity” who they were as people, and specifically, as men.

“That is a journey I’ve never gone on as a writer before, and it scared me and excited me because it felt like we had something to say," he said.

Graham told Vanity Fair that he was initially unfamiliar with the concept of the manosphere—a controversial network of websites, blogs, forums, and online communities centered on men’s rights, male interests, and opposition to feminism.

Over the last three decades, the Kenyan boychild has been left behind in Kenya’s economic and cultural development, and this has perpetuated local discourses about the ‘neglect of the boychild’. Most development aid interventions have always targeted the girlchild, and women have increasingly been empowered economically.

As a result and in retaliation to the world becoming more 'femicentric', the masculinity consultancy scene has become a booming business with controversial figures such as Andrew Kibe, Amerix, Jacob Aliet, Silas Nyanchwani, who give 'masculine' advice to Kenyan men on Twitter and through their books and social media channels. 

Collage of Amerix (left) and Andrew Kibe (right). /X

While all four align with the global red pill movement, part of a global backlash against feminism or some of feminism’s social consequences, they do so to different degrees. Amerix and Andrew have a more radical take on Kenya’s gender relations and offer answers that aim at changing not only the totality of his adepts’ daily lives but also openly admire Paul Kagame’s autocratic style of leadership and dreams of a world where strong ‘Afrikan’ men subdue obedient women.

Such radical anti-feminist rage via social media is doing more harm than good to society. Male children, as young as 10, are now bossing their female counterparts in schools, churches and other social gatherings -- saying hurtful things, excluding peers, and acting in other unkind ways.

They are not acting mean on purpose. By and large, these kids are struggling with difficult feelings of insecurity/self-doubt and anxiety perpetuated by the self-awareness campaign propagated by the likes of Amerix.

These complex emotions are uncomfortable and hard to make sense of and cope with, even for adults, no less young children who don’t have the self-awareness or skills to deal with these emotions effectively; so, they act them out via projection—attributing uncomfortable emotions to others. 

They project these difficult emotions that are hard for them to tolerate onto others, moreso the weaker opposite sex. It's a coping mechanism, albeit an unhealthy one.

Ooro George is a Kenyan journalist, blogger, editor-at-large, art critic, and cross-cultural curator. You can reach him via LinkedIn here, through email: oorojoj@gmail.com and on X @OoroGeorge

Last year, some of those ambitious goals you set—a 35km run, a regular wellness routine, or even conquering Mount Kenya—might have remained stubbornly out of reach.

Throughout the year, you may have experienced a series of false starts in your fitness journey. Despite coming up with a schedule for the gym, or a morning hour jog. You just didn't manage to get it going.

But you aren’t alone. By mid-February, that initial optimism most of us embrace at the start of the year often fades, leaving a familiar sense of disappointment. From a wardrobe overhaul, mastering a new skill, learning a new course, cruising on that epic road trip, or shedding those extra kilos—the aspirations remain a pipedream. 

This year let’s conquer our goals and break the cycle of broken promises and unmet targets. 

In Kenya, where wellness and mindful living are increasingly valued, vision boarding is gaining popularity. It's a simple yet profound practice that can transform your aspirations into tangible achievements.

What’s a vision board?

A vision board visually represents your goals and dreams using images, words, and affirmations to inspire and motivate. It connects you with your aspirations, fostering personal growth and lasting change by articulating your vision for the future.

A photo of Wanjiru Murage-Mutahi, Marketing Manager White Cap Crisp. /LINKEDIN

Understanding the power of vision boards

A TD Bank survey found that one in five successful entrepreneurs use vision boards when starting their business and about 76% reported that their progress so far has aligned with their vision. 82% of these small business owners found that they have accomplished over half of their business goals since they began.

Creating your vision board

Here are some types of goals that you may want to include in a vision board, Career, Money, Wellness, Travel and Social Goals. 

Ready to create your own vision board? It's a fun and deeply personal process! 

1. Gather Your Materials: You'll need a board (physical or digital), magazines, art supplies, and anything else that sparks your creativity. Consider incorporating elements of Kenyan heritage for a personal touch.

2. Digital Options: Tech-savvy individuals can use apps like Pinterest, Canva, or dedicated vision board apps for easy creation and updates.

3. Self-Reflection: Identify your core values and the goals that truly resonate with you. Be specific! Instead of "lose weight," write "lose 10kg by June."

4. Curate and Arrange: Gather inspiring images, quotes, and words that represent your goals. Arrange them on your board in a visually appealing and meaningful way.

Using Your Vision Board for Growth

• Strategic Placement: Place your vision board where you'll see it multiple times a day – your bedroom, office, or bathroom mirror. For digital boards, use them as your phone or computer wallpaper.

• Tech Integration: Display your digital vision board on smart home devices or set reminders to view it throughout the day, combining them with affirmations.

• Consistent Interaction: Regularly visualize your goals while looking at your board, connecting with the positive feelings of achievement. Pair this with consistent action towards your goals.

• Track and Evolve: Track your progress towards vision board goals using a journal or by regularly photographing the board to visualise achievements. Update your board as goals evolve, maintaining momentum and celebrating milestones. 

Some people also like to revisit their boards regularly, adding new images and affirmations as their goals evolve.

A Vision Board Template

If prioritizing mindful living is one goal this year—start searching for balanced choices complementing this lifestyle early on! Welcome WhiteCap Crisp into this journey—a low-alcohol beer best served chilled honouring the balance between living fully & connecting meaningfully!

Start creating your vision board today and manifest your best self in 2025! What are you waiting for? Seize the moment. 

Wanjiru Murage-Mutahi is a Marketing Manager at White Cap Crisp.

Major Adams leads 855 women on a six-month mission to move 17 million mouldering, rat-gnawed, bloodstained parcels and letters. The movie, with its emphasis on teamwork, dedication, and the impact of reliable communication, deeply resonated with me as a budding communications professional.

The story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all-Black, all-female unit tasked with clearing a massive backlog of undelivered mail during World War II, is a powerful reminder of the importance of communication to the morale of an organization and the morale of an organization being crucial to delivering on the mission.

I watched. I cried. I reminisced about my industrial attachment days at The Postal Corporation of Kenya, Kakamega GPO. The grim-reaping COVID pandemic severely disrupted traditional internship opportunities, with many organizations shifting to remote work models. I was lucky to secure one of the few in-person internships available at Posta Kenya.

Posta Kenya employees at work. /FILE

As a communications and PR student at Masinde Muliro University, my decision to undertake an industrial attachment at Posta Kenya's Kakamega GPO in January 2021 raised eyebrows among my predominantly Gen Z classmates. Many viewed Posta Kenya as a relic of the past – an inefficient enterprise struggling to compete in the era of emails and the rise of tech-savvy private courier services.

But watching the onscreen journey of the cast unfold,  I could not help but draw parallels between their mission and the work postmasters do every day since time immemorial -- often in the background, sorting out parcels to keep the engines of connection and progress running.

Team working in a multigenerational team offered a unique opportunity to learn from diverse perspectives and approaches to problem-solving. While generational differences presented challenges, they also enriched my overall internship experience at the great Postal Corporation of Kenya.

By the end of my intensive three-month experience, I not only injected a genZ spirit in the offices but also learnt that while communication continues to evolve and shift from traditional to digital tactics to a calculated mix of both, the relevance of postal services continues to show strength and agility when used strategically in logistics and cargo transportation. And all this is evidenced in the Netflix hit film helmed by Tyler Perry.

These lessons not only highlight the parallels between the 6888th mission and the work communicators and courier service providers do but also flow together as a reminder of how different aspects of communication work in harmony. One of the first parallels that struck me was the relentless, round-the-clock effort required to ensure no gaps in the battalion’s mission. The women of the 6888th worked in shifts, around the clock, to process millions of letters within just 90 days. Their dedication ensured that soldiers received messages of hope and connection from home, an essential morale boost on the frontlines.

Similarly, in the world of communications, the work never truly stops. Whether managing crises, aligning stakeholders, or crafting narratives that move audiences, communicators are always "on." It’s a 24/7 responsibility that demands both agility and endurance, especially in today’s fast-paced, interconnected world. Just as the 6888th ensured that no letter was left behind, I watched postmasters work tirelessly to ensure that no parcel was lost or misunderstood.

I saw how critical communication could be, and also how much room there was to improve. Looking back, I realize that consistent communication was the missing piece we needed to maintain alignment and morale. New technology, competition and uncertainty often left staffers feeling disconnected. Much like the women of the 6888th, who worked tirelessly in shifts to ensure no letter went undelivered, the staffers at Kakamega GPO strived to embrace a more structured and proactive approach to communication. This experience was a lesson in the power of constant, intentional messaging, a necessity for navigating change effectively.

One of my favourite scenes in Six Triple Eight is when Major Charity Adams Earley confidently walks an inspecting officer through the battalion’s operations, responding to his scrutiny with an explanation of the thought and strategy behind their work. She made it clear that their processes were meticulous, rooted in strategy, and driven by data.

This moment resonated deeply. In communications, it's common to have external stakeholders bring their perspectives to the table, and collaboration often strengthens the work. However, as a communicator, it’s important to help stakeholders recognize the strategic rigour you put behind effective messaging. From research to competitive analysis to data-driven decisions, communicators balance creativity with expertise to craft narratives that resonate. While outside feedback is vital, understanding the process and relying on your subject matter expertise will elevate the outcome.

It’s a reminder that, just as in the 6888th Battalion’s operations, collaboration is the key to achieving clarity and cohesion. The 6888th Battalion’s success was a testament to teamwork. Over 800 women worked together, processing millions of pieces of mail in just three months. While 800 is larger than any communications team I’ve seen, the analogy holds: achieving scale in communications requires a highly collaborative and coordinated effort. Much like the 6888th Battalion, we relied on the coordination of many moving parts to ensure success.

What fueled the 6888th Battalion’s tireless efforts? It wasn’t just duty; it was purpose and passion. Their motivation came from understanding the impact of their work. A pivotal moment in the film shows Charity finding renewed resolve through Lena, a private grieving the loss of her significant other who was lost at war. This personal connection reminded the battalion, and the audience, that their work was about more than mail; it was about preserving humanity during war.

Kerry Washington as Major Charity Adams and Milauna Jackson as Lt. Campbell in "The Six Triple Eight.". /NETFLIX

In the same way, the heart of the Postal Corporation of Kenya has been about touching lives. ‘Six Triple Eight’ is a powerful reminder of the often invisible labour that keeps systems running. The battalion’s story challenges us to recognize the unsung heroes not only at Posta Kenya but in every field of service delivery. In venture capital, these heroes may be the platform and communications professionals who work tirelessly to ensure that portfolio companies succeed post-investment.

The film left me with this question: What stories, messages, and connections are we leaving undelivered? As communicators, we have the opportunity, and the responsibility, to bridge gaps, inspire action, and deliver hope. The story of the 6888th Battalion serves as a powerful reminder that every act of service, no matter how small, has the potential to make a significant difference. By recognizing and appreciating the unsung heroes in our communities, we can build a stronger and more connected society.

Ooro George is a Kenyan journalist, blogger, editor-at-large, art critic, and cross-cultural curator. You can reach him via LinkedIn here, through email: oorojoj@gmail.com and on X @OoroGeorge

As part of the Politicising Beyoncé course, students learn about American race, gender and sexual politics. The class will include an analysis of Beyoncé's videos and lyrics as well as readings from black feminists. According to Kevin Allred, the lecturer at Rutgers running the course, "When students don't respond to theory or dense readings, it's often easier to see things play out in the world around them."

The same year, Skidmore College, a liberal arts institution in New York State, opened its doors for a summer course on the Sociology of Miley Cyrus.

Still, in 2014, James Bennett, a leading professor at Royal Holloway, University of London, said that students can learn about politics, morality and the economy from celebrity culture. “From Angelina Jolie's breast cancer surgery to Madonna adopting children from Malawi, celebrities are constantly used to tell stories that spark important conversations and debates about moral, political, economic and cultural issues,” he said.

Similarly, the Sociology of Miley Cyrus classes aim to use the controversial American pop star as a gateway to discuss core sociological theory. Carolyn Chernoff, who wrote the syllabus, said "Miley Cyrus is a rich example of how race, class and gender are performed in the media. She's a great case study.

Beyoncé performs onstage on June 27, 2023 in Warsaw, Poland. /GETTY IMAGES

Jonathan Baldwin, a director of teaching and learning in Cambridge, previously ran a course based on the Simpsons at the University of Brighton. He pointed out that Dickens and Shakespeare were also celebrities. "Using current figures as a way to unpick our current way of life is entirely appropriate," he says. "How else would you do it?"

Fast forward to November 2024, Yale University, another private Ivy League research university in the US, recently announced a new course that dives into the profound influence of songstress Beyoncé on contemporary society. 

Daphne Brooks, professor of African American Studies and music, will teach the new class titled Beyoncé Makes History: Black Radical Tradition History, Culture, Theory & Politics through Music.

In the class, students will examine Beyoncé’s artistic work from 2013 to 2024 as a lens to study Black history, intellectual thought and performance. The course is a byproduct of Brooks’ previous class at Princeton University titled Black Women in Popular Music Culture.

While at Princeton, Brooks served as a faculty member in the English and African American Studies Departments. Much of the content in her Yale course draws from the section in her Princeton course which focused on Beyoncé’s cultural impact. 

According to Brooks, those classes were always overenrolled “and there was so much energy around the focus on Beyoncé, even though it was a class that starts in the late 19th century and moves through the present day. I always thought I should come back to focusing on her and centring her work pedagogically at some point.” 

Brooks believes that following the 2024 election and the events preceding it, it’s important to recognize Beyoncé’s unprecedented contributions to American culture, popular culture and global culture for the past two decades.

The course primarily centres around Beyoncé’s sonic, fashion and visual media following her 2013 self-titled album through 2024’s Cowboy Carter. It also delves into the multifarious Black female experience in media and politics. 

Students will participate in discussions surrounding readings from scholars such as Hortense Spillers, the Combahee River Collective, Cedric Robinson and Karl Hagstrom Miller. 

In terms of projects, students will participate in screenings of her visual albums, work with archives in the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library and engage with public humanities projects designed to study Beyoncé’s physical impact on the Black community. Students will also be encouraged to create playlists connecting Beyoncé’s music to those of her influences.

When asked why the class centres around Beyoncé’s musical catalogue such as her most recent albums: Lemonade, Renaissance and Cowboy Carter as opposed to her earlier bodies of work such as Dangerously in Love and B’Day, Brooks said it’s because she wanted to highlight Beyoncé’s break from certain dimensions of a “typical pop repertoire.”

"2013 was such a watershed moment in which she articulated her beliefs in Black feminism,” Brooks said. In the song Flawless, it was the first time a pop artist like Beyonce had used sound bites from a Black feminist like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. It became more about ‘We are going to produce club bangers that are also galvanizing our ability to think radically about the state of liberation.”

Brooks said that the study of Beyoncé will work as scaffolding for engaging contributions of other performers such as Harlem Renaissance entertainer Josephine Baker, acclaimed singer Diana Ross, Black sexual revolutionary Betty Davis and queer icon Grace Jones.

The course is cross-listed between the Department of African American Studies, Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies, American Studies and Music. Brooks says that such interdisciplinary engagement will help students at Yale think about American history and the way culture acts as a site of refuge for marginalized and minoritized groups.

Other courses that have used celebrities as case studies include a course in Jay-Z and Kanye West at the University of Missouri, which looks at the rappers in relation to poets and the American dream, and a course in the sociology of Lady Gaga in South Carolina.

In the UK, one can enrol for a master's degree that focuses on the Beatles, at Liverpool Hope University, and analyze the significance of the music of the Beatles in the construction of identities, audiences, ethnicities and localities.

However, not everyone will be convinced that university courses focused on celebrities are worth signing up for. One may ask "Why Beyoncé? Why not someone iconic in the suffragette movement who's been influential in gender movements?

Yale University Art Gallery. /YALE UNIVERSITY

Are university courses that focus on pop stars a fresh way to dissect broader topics, or are they just a savvy marketing move? Critics have labelled such moves as a symptom of a competitive commercialized education market. They argue that nowadays, colleges and universities treat students like customers.

Mainstream learning institutions want to ensure their product has the most appealing packaging, including modules with cool names. They are taking the "easy way out" by using celebrities to attract students. That they do it to seem more current and to create a buzz. Perhaps mentioning celebrities as examples in topics is better suited than creating an entire course module on them.

Focusing on current pop stars doesn't have to lead to the neglect of other important figures. It's important to keep things current as it's more relatable. This doesn't mean the neglect of people from the past, but rather the amalgamation of those from the past and those of today.

Dismissal of courses like this as 'useless' depicts sheer arrogance and no understanding of what courses are useful in the first place. We’re in the 21st century and not everyone fancies engineering, law, architecture, agriculture or medicine. Regardless of the intellectual value that celebrity studies entail, rigid conservative conventionality will discriminate constantly, and at the end of the day, it's how you look on paper.

If it sees an academic case study on  Simba and Les Wanyika; Them Mushrooms; Les Mangelepa; Nyashinski; AliKiba; Diamond Platnumz; Lady Jaydee; Eric Wainaina; Suzanna Owiyo; Rose Muhando; SautiSol; Christina Shusho or Wahu and Nameless, it won't think about the depth and issues that have gone into the course, it will just think 'next please'.

Celebrity culture is a serious subject for serious study. Let’s think beyond the glitz and glamour and tap into the intellectual value of celebrity studies. It can foster critical thinking and empower the next generation.

Ooro George is a Kenyan journalist, art critic, digital stories, and cross-cultural curator. You can reach him via LinkedIn here, through email: oorojoj@gmail.com and on X @OoroGeorge

From keenly listening to the presentations, arguments and counterarguments, by key stakeholders in the industry, I came up with my journalistic angle for the story I was to write about.  

The natural disasters bedevilling us are symptomatic of our fast-paced lifestyles and one-sided relationship with the planet. We have forgotten that we are nature, and because of that, we’ve extracted from the earth without giving back. How do we give back? How do we restore degraded soils using practices such as adaptive grazing, no-till planting and zero use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers? I thought to myself.

Regenerative agriculture 

Regenerative agriculture strives to work with nature rather than against it. Regenerative agriculture is more than just being sustainable. It is about reversing degradation and building up the soil to make it healthier than its current state.

A rice farmer in Mwea. /FILE

In the context of food and modern-day agriculture, this type of farming is essentially the new organic or sustainable farming, but it goes a few steps further. In addition to omitting chemicals, regenerative agriculture replenishes and strengthens the plants, the soil, and the nature surrounding it.

And because most of what we consume are actually plants, “regenerative ag” should become a shiny new buzzword in the sustainable conversation.

I chose this as my angle because this is one of the places where we can make a positive impact. Rather than just pollute less or do less harm, we can actually kind of revive the earth through our day-to-day activities.

Most young journalists in my age bracket eschew agriculture journalism as a beat and have never set foot on a farm, and the conventional-versus-regenerative agriculture debate doesn’t often come up at most editorial meetings moreso of digital publications.

The easiest way to understand regenerative agriculture is to first picture what you think of as a “typical farm”: It’s probably hundreds of acres of a single crop, like maize or beans. It probably looks normal to your eye, though not entirely natural, because it isn’t: Most of those farms use pesticides and other conventional methods, like deep tilling. 

A regenerative farm is the complete inverse of that: Imagine acre upon acre of different crops, many of them strategically planted to help each other grow and flourish. On a coffee farm, there might be rows of snap peas planted as “cover crops” to shade the soil so it stays cool, absorbs more water, and thus grows more microbiomes. 

Regenerative farms also implement “pollinator strips” of crops that attract bees and butterflies to the area, or they’ll add “trap crops” to divert pests from their hero crops in place of chemical pesticides. It’s mimicking what nature does already. You never see just one crop in nature, you see a vast diversity. There’s a reason for that.

Regenerative farming produces stronger crops and provides a healthier way of life for farmers, but it’s the impact on soil that’s making it an environmental movement. Rich, nutrient-dense soil sequesters carbon from the atmosphere through a process we all learned as primary school pupils: photosynthesis. When plants photosynthesize, they capture carbon in the air and draw it back into the earth, where it becomes food for microorganisms and mycelia. 

It’s all part of earth’s natural cycle—the atmosphere has always traded carbon with the soil—but after the Industrial Revolution, humans have been releasing disproportionate amounts of carbon into the atmosphere. The cycle is no longer in harmony, and the carbon trapped in the atmosphere is now warming the planet. To make matters worse, modern-day farming practices have led to massive areas of stripped, barren land that can’t effectively absorb carbon.

We constantly hear about reducing our carbon emissions or new technology that captures carbon, but if the earth could just return to its natural, abundant state, it could fix the problem of global warming on its own. 

Soil has lost close to 140 billion tons of CO2e through tillage, overgrazing, and churning it up to develop urban and suburban sprawl. Of the available landmass that is not picked over, we can sink all of the carbon in our atmosphere, which is 109 billion tons. So we owe the soil MORE carbon than we need to sequester.

Our land is bare and essentially devoid of life, with an intentional collective zeal by the government and the private sector, transforming conventional maize, beans and other crop farms into regenerative is possible.

Amid economic turmoil,  it’s unlikely that many brands have set aside an agriculture budget. Some might be cutting their sustainability budgets altogether. But if they’re willing to think long-term and leap, investing in regenerative farming methods is the best thing they can do for the planet.

A rice farm in Nyando. /TAALAMU NEWS

It may not be big enough to change the whole world, but it’s big enough to change our country. And it’s big enough that if we do it well and get more journalists writing and screaming about it, much bigger brands will jump on board, and consumers and farmers deep in the villages will demand it.

In other words, it’s doable. And while it sounds scientific, it’s also radically simple.

Ooro George is a Kenyan journalist, art critic, digital stories, and cross-cultural curator. You can reach him via LinkedIn here, through email: oorojoj@gmail.com and on X @OoroGeorge

For the first episode of her new podcast, movie star, Lupita Nyong’o opened up about her intimate journey to fully accepting her identity and battling the "complicated relationship with the way I speak” for years.

Early in her career, the globally acclaimed actress just wanted to blend into Hollywood, but she soon realized standing out was a hidden gift. Born in Mexico to Kenyan parents, but was raised in Kenya from the age of three, Lupita identifies as a Kenyan-Mexican and is fluent in Spanish. Despite currently living in the United States for twenty years now, she revealed that “to create this podcast, I had to get very comfortable with my voice.”

Although she embraced her Kenyan accent while enrolled at Massachusetts' Hampshire College, Lupita recalled the shift happening when she joined the Yale School of Drama to pursue acting. To ensure she mastered talking like an American, Lupita dedicated several days out of her week to voice lessons.

But a compliment from a casting director about her accent only left her feeling bittersweet: “She said, ‘Oh my goodness, you don't have an accent.’ And I was at once so elated and also so crushed. I had ridden myself of myself, kind of.”

Lupita Nyong'o wins the Supporting Actress Academy Award during the 2014 Oscar Awards. /FILE

So, in 2014, before starting the press tour for 12 Years a Slave (the debut feature film that instantly made her a global household name), Lupita decided to make a change. She called her publicist and said, "I've decided that from tomorrow, I am going to return to my original accent. I want to send a message that being an African is enough. They had never heard me speak in a Kenyan accent.”

When Tyla exploded into global music stardom with her hit song Water, the South African singer did not just gain attention for her silky R&B vocals, viral dance moves and accent. Tyla’s proud description of herself as “Coloured” also caused controversy, particularly in the US, where the word has a painful racist history and is no longer in use.

During her first international TV interview, she appeared on a Swedish talk show and was praised for sticking to her South African accent. Before her rise to fame, the 2023 breakout star made a video proudly talking about her mixed-raced heritage on TikTok. In it, she slicks her coily hair into Bantu knots, while donning a traditional beaded necklace, with the words, "I am a coloured South African" splashed across the clip like a badge of honour.

The singer says this means that she "comes from a lot of different cultures". It was a simple video intended to share a part of herself with her audience. But instead, her racial identity has stoked flames across the internet, most notably, in the US.

Americans see the word as a slur, unlike Tyla's South African community, who see it as a part of their culture. In South Africa, it is a distinct identity that is officially recognised.

One US user on X said: "We are not gonna call her coloured here and if she demands it, her career will end before it begins."She's trying to cross over into an American market, she won't be able to use that word here, she can use it somewhere else though." 

In the US, the word harks back to the Jim Crow era, when segregationist laws were instituted in the southern states to oppress black Americans after slavery was banned. Water fountains, toilets and bus seats were marked "whites only" or "coloured only".

This dark history of racial segregation mirrors that in South Africa before white-minority rule ended in 1994. Apartheid was a political system with a racial hierarchy privileging white South Africans. The Population Registration Act of 1950 required people to be registered into one of four racial categories - white, black, Indian or coloured. Another law designated residential areas according to race.

According to Michael Morris, head of media at the South African Institute of Race Relations, the history of the coloured community is complex, but "quintessentially South African". The community has disparate origins but was brought together under apartheid rules.

"Being a mixture of black, white, Asian, it was forged in the southern African geography in a way that no other can claim," Morris told the BBC.

But because of this mixed heritage, the community was sometimes derided and dismissed in a system obsessed with categorisation. Marike de Klerk, the late wife of apartheid South Africa's last president, once said of the coloured community concerning the regime's segregation laws: "They are the people that were left after the nations were sorted out. They are the rest."

But this pressure of accent adoption and ‘want-to-belong’ has not only been felt by immigrant Hollywood stars but also the natives. Have you ever watched an old movie and been thrown off by the strange half-British, half-American accents employed by actors in the thirties and forties? 

Why were Native American stars cultivating faux-British accents? Starting at the beginning of the twentieth century, classical theatre actors were in the habit of imitating upper-class British accents onstage. Many of them followed the teachings of Australian phonetician William Tilly, who introduced a phonetically consistent standard of English – called World English – that would eventually come to “define the sound of American classical acting for almost a century (Knight).” Interestingly, Tilly himself had little interest in acting. A linguistic prescriptivist, he boldly labelled World English a ‘class-based accent.’ In other words, it was meant to be used as a marker of an ‘educated,’ ‘cultivated,’ or ‘cultured’ person.

In 1927, Warner Bros and the Vitaphone Corporation released the very first feature-length ‘talkie’ – a black and white film called The Jazz Singer. Its release signalled the end of the silent film era and the ushering in of sound films. For the first time, the voices of onscreen cinema superstars started to be heard on the big screen. 

And many actors were less than thrilled by the added pressures of vocal performance. Clara Bow, a superstar of the twenties, famously hated ‘talkies,’ and in 1930, at only twenty-five years old, her career came to an abrupt end when she was admitted to a sanatorium. Katherine Hepburn, another actress,  also struggled with the transition. As a result of nervously blurting out her lines again and again, she was fired from her first production in 1928.

Soon many actors, including Hepburn, were enrolling for elocution classes to train their voices for the big screen. Then, in 1942, Edith Skinner – a Broadway Consultant and student of William Tilly – published a book called Speak with Distinction, which was the first codification of Tilly’s teachings and quickly became the manual for Hollywood’s standard English.

Directors liked the accent for its neutrality and sophistication, which made it easy to use in films that weren’t setting-specific. Soon enough, mastery of the accent became a prerequisite for actors trying to break into the industry.

The Trans-Atlantic accent (a nickname for various accents of English that are perceived as blending features from both American and British English), made it difficult to tell what street someone grew up on. While film executives adore the accent for its trilling, all-treble sound, on-screen cast and audiences alike abhorred the accent for its woeful pretentiousness. By the mid-forties, native Americans were no longer buying the neutrality argument.

Through the success of a couple of breakthrough actors notably lacking the Trans-Atlantic accent – including Jimmy Stewart and Humphrey Bogart – Americans finally began to see themselves reflected on the big screen. Soon, the accent’s inherent classism began to be rejected. By the late fifties, it had all but disappeared.

Despite the complex history of cultural representation, celebrated pop culture icons like Lupita and Tyla, who identify as Black or people of colour, have woven a rich cultural tapestry. They have not only defied the odds but also served as inspiring role models for young girls with dreams of making it big in the global media and entertainment industry.

Ooro George is a Kenyan journalist, art critic, digital stories, and cross-cultural curator. You can reach him via LinkedIn here, through email: oorojoj@gmail.com and on X @OoroGeorge

Songstress Tyla. /FILE

The company is the world’s most trusted recommendation resource for quality entertainment. As the leading online aggregator of movie and TV show reviews from thousands of critics, it provides fans with a comprehensive guide to what’s ‘Fresh’ – and what’s ‘Rotten’ – in theatres and at home.

In 2024, it celebrated Pride Month with brand-new editorial content including a spotlight on LGBTQIA+ publications from archival curations and a look at trans and non-binary rising stars.

For the past few years, the American media company has used its archives to spotlight queer outlets amplifying what LGBTQIA+ critics have said about movies and television since the industry’s inception. It has featured LGBTQIA+ Outlets from regional archives across the US.

An LGBTQIA+ flag. /WIKI FANDOM

These outlets include Boston’s Gay Community News, created in 1973 by eight activists and ran until 1999, and OUT FRONT Magazine, one of America's oldest remaining active LGBTQIA+ outlets since its debut publication in 1976, to name a few. While many may believe that queer publications are a more contemporary type of journalism, these outlets have been here all along, proudly providing a unique inclusive perspective on the latest entertainment offerings.

Just like in the US, Kenyan media executives should strive to equally accord LGBTQIA+ talent fair coverage through featuring editorial pieces spotlighting queer voices, news features, TV shows, films and documentaries.

Our local and regional media houses and film studios must conduct themselves ethically. They must remain champions of family values, sanctity of life, equality, inclusion, and common ethical standards. 

The LGBTQI+ community is here to stay, they are all over the newsrooms and even film studios too, but very afraid to pitch the brilliant creative content ideas they have. Stories about them for editorial consideration. Why? Because the moral card only stands in the way their ‘morally upright’ colleagues will perceive them as fellow human beings who deserve love and compassion.

In many cases, most of the conservative Kenyan journalists have been using their platforms to promote partisan agendas rather than uphold the principles of unbiased reporting. This shift from neutral observer to ‘moral corps’ undermines the media's credibility and distorts the information being presented to the public. This worrisome trend has become increasingly pronounced, leading to widespread concern.

This so-called morality often comes tightly packaged in good intentions but overall, it often serves to fortify feelings of intolerance and prejudice.

While it’s not inherently wrong for a journalist to have ideological leanings, the issue arises when these affiliations compromise their objectivity and integrity as storytellers. These ethical lapses compromise the media’s role as the fourth estate, meant to hold power to account and inform the public.

“What’s the moral of the story?” is a common question asked at the end of almost every story told. It doesn’t matter if the story is conveyed by the fireside, in books, magazines, newspapers, websites, radio, film or television. This question always comes up inviting the consumer with virtues the story teaches. The kind of virtues that pass the litmus test of morality.

Where do compassion and basic humanity lie on the spectrum of good storytelling? Looking at editorial content from a societal moral angle all the time stops film and media executives from practising objectivity. It stops media practitioners from exercising humanity as life is not just what’s right or wrong.

The consequences of this canker are far-reaching, as a compromised media landscape can weaken democratic institutions and hinder informed public discourse. Addressing this issue requires a renewed commitment to the core values of journalism, such as accuracy, fairness, and independence, to restore the integrity of the profession and safeguard its crucial role in society.

Ooro George is a Kenyan journalist, art critic, digital stories, and cross-cultural curator. You can reach him via LinkedIn here, through email: oorojoj@gmail.com and on X @OoroGeorge

A photo of various media microphones. /STANDARD DIGITAL

These women are thrust into the spotlight not by choice, but simply because of their husbands' ambitions. They are then expected to represent the country at home and abroad.

Dolley Madison, wife of James Madison, the fourth president of the United States of America – had a tremendous impact on her husband's administration, not just because he valued her political acumen – but also because she worked to create a public image as a fashionable woman and a consummate White House host. She dressed extravagantly for some events but knew when to scale it back so as not to overshadow her husband. 

She was known for wearing turbans with empire-cut gowns from Paris. Her reputation for being stylish set the standard for what a first lady of the then young new country, the USA, should be and how her fashion and image related to her husband's presidency. 

Photoshop reconstruction of the 1825 life mask of 4th U.S. President James Madison and Daguerreotype of Dolley Payne Todd Madison. /JOHN HENRI BROWERE

By wearing dresses that were reminiscent of the Greek Republic, she was reminding people of the ideals America represented. This use of clothing as symbolism would inform the first ladies to come, including modern-day global style and fashion icon, Michelle Obama.

Rachel Ruto assumed the office of the First Lady, in September 2022 after a 10-year stint as a Second Lady.

Since way back, Mrs Ruto has portrayed herself as a prayerful woman – and whenever the country was going through a major problem, she would take the initiative of leading prayers. A point in time is when she led National Prayers to cleanse the Salgaa black spot along the Nakuru-Eldoret highway in 2017.

In 2019, she made a major amendment to the Official Deputy President’s residence in Karen by launching the National Prayer Altar where the family has been conducting church services and even invited friends and acquaintances to worship with them. According to the First Lady, it is her prayers that were pivotal in securing her husband’s presidency.

The First Lady, in her own right,  is a public figure who is celebrated by the masses as the woman behind the wheel, she wields considerable influence and garners widespread interest in her clothing, appearance, and actions.

Her contributions to her husband's political journey, whether through prayer or other means, are often acknowledged and appreciated by the masses. However, it is essential to recognize that her role extends far beyond the confines of her husband's political success.

Fashion can be a powerful tool for someone in the public eye to communicate and relate to a broad audience, and when successful, a first lady can use her interest in her clothes to her advantage.

She has shaped perceptions, inspired change, and championed causes close to her heart. The trained teacher has been involved in activities to uplift the lives of women in Kenya.

She is an active player in the Inua Mama initiative and also the Joyful Women Organization (JOYWO). According to the First Lady, the motivation to help support women through such initiatives was inspired by an incident in 1997, when she met a woman who was the age of her mother without shoes. Rachel aimed to break the barrier of women having financial freedom. 

“I started having a dream of going to the rural areas and talking to women, and telling them it is possible,” she’s been quoted saying.

And it is also very possible to be fashionable while serving as the nation’s 'Mom-in-Chief'. She has been the subject of numerous wardrobe choices that have sparked discussions. The most recent one being during King Charles III's visit to Kenya earlier this year. 

Known for her signature short hair, the president’s wife left tongues wagging by rocking a stylish blue kitenge skirt suit, clutch bag, and low-heeled shoes. The beautiful mother accessorized her look with a stylish watch, a silver necklace, and earrings. Her wedding ring was intact.

Her diehard supporters always come out guns blazing in her defence alluding to the difficulty the first lady grapples with in mitigating expectations about her wardrobe on top of other duties, but fashion is also an important way for the first lady to connect with people.

Far from being a frivolous pursuit, fashion serves as a potent means of communication, enabling individuals to connect with diverse audiences fast. It can effectively convey confidence, empathy, and cultural resonance. 

A stylish first lady can not only be a fashion icon, she can project an image of a fairly stable, prosperous, liberal, and modern fashion-forward Kenya. Her fashion choices can inspire her people, and be seen as a reflection of the country's cultural identity and its position in the global fashion scene.

Being both stylish and accomplished portrays how fashion taste and intellectual capability or political influence can go hand-in-hand. And just like the global icon, Michelle Obama, wearing clothing by local designers brings significant attention and business to a nation's fashion industry. This leads to job creation thus bolstering the economy.

Former United States (US) First Lady, Michelle Obama in a purple silk suit from Sergio Hudson and sequined bustier by Christy Rilling Studio at a speaking engagement about her book Becoming in Atlanta. May 11, 2019. /GETTY IMAGES

As such, dear First Lady, your fashion choices are not merely matters of personal preference but bear significance in the broader narrative of national identity and representation. Your image can be a powerful tool for public connection.

Have you considered collaborating with a stylist to elevate your public image while maintaining your personal style? To dismiss such considerations as trivial or inconsequential is to overlook the potential for fashion to serve as a conduit for meaningful dialogue and engagement.

Yes. And whether thought to be warranted or not, the public will always inevitably focus on what you are wearing. 

Ooro George is a Kenyan journalist, art critic, digital stories, and cross-cultural curator. You can reach him via LinkedIn here, through email: oorojoj@gmail.com and on X @OoroGeorge

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are the backbone of Kenya's economy, contributing significantly to innovation and economic growth.

According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) Economic Survey 2022, MSMEs account for 33.8% of the national output and are pivotal in realizing Vision 2030 development aspirations, particularly in trade, manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and financial services.

MSMEs account for over 90 percent of private sector enterprises in Kenya, playing a crucial role in the decentralized economic development model promoted by devolution that aims to achieve equitable social and economic development across the country.

As we marked World MSME Day on June 27, the significance of these enterprises was highlighted. Despite their critical role in economic growth and job creation, MSMEs face significant challenges, including high rates of business closure within the first year of operation.

Image of a fruit market in Kenya. /BUSINESS TODAY

To address these challenges and ensure sustainable growth, there is a pressing need for digital and innovative financial products and services beyond traditional credit offerings. These solutions can provide MSMEs with the tools and resources necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital economy.

MSMEs are essential for economic development, providing employment opportunities and contributing to poverty alleviation and inclusive growth. The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8 underscores the importance of MSMEs in creating decent work and economic growth.

The Government’s economic Transformation initiative further highlights the potential of MSMEs to generate employment and livelihood opportunities, especially for marginalized groups.

However, despite the introduction of favourable policies over the years, a significant proportion of MSMEs continue to face financial constraints, limiting their ability to thrive and expand.

I&M Bank's initiatives to support MSMEs through flexible working capital solutions illustrate the need for financial products that go beyond traditional credit.

I&M Bank's initiative to waive transaction fees for transfers between bank accounts and mobile wallets demonstrates the potential of digital payments to reduce operational costs and deepen financial inclusion. This integration allows MSMEs to conduct seamless financial transactions, enhancing their operational efficiency and reducing the cost of doing business.

These solutions help MSMEs manage cash flows and invest in the supply chain, enhancing their operational efficiency and scalability. 

By offering business insurance products and supply chain financing, banks can provide comprehensive financial support that addresses various aspects of business operations.

The introduction of unsecured digital lending products by banks in recent years has revolutionized access to finance for MSMEs.

These products, accessible via mobile apps, offer faster and more efficient loan application and renewal processes, enabling businesses to access funds quickly and conveniently. Such innovations are crucial in a digital era where speed and accessibility can significantly impact business success.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the vulnerability of MSMEs to external shocks. Digital insurance products and risk management solutions can provide a safety net for these businesses, protecting them from unforeseen events and ensuring business continuity.

These products are particularly beneficial for women and youth entrepreneurs who may face additional challenges in accessing traditional financial services.

Technology today plays a pivotal role in the provision of innovative financial services. Digital platforms enable financial institutions to interact with MSMEs efficiently, from application and onboarding to monitoring and fund disbursement.

This digital transformation not only strengthens the connection between financial institutions and MSMEs but also empowers businesses with digital intelligence, enhancing their decision-making capabilities.

The expansion of the financial ecosystem for MSMEs requires collaboration among various stakeholders, including financial institutions, fintech companies, government bodies, and international organizations. By fostering partnerships and leveraging the strengths of each stakeholder, we can create a more inclusive and supportive financial environment for MSMEs.

The integration of mobile money platforms with banking systems is one such collaborative effort that has revolutionized financial transactions in Kenya, providing MSMEs with greater flexibility and accessibility.

Leveraging data analytics and artificial intelligence can provide MSMEs with valuable insights into their financial health and market trends that financial institutions can use to offer personalized financial products and advisory services, helping MSMEs make informed decisions and improve their business strategies.

The need for digital and innovative financial products and services for MSMEs must extend far beyond traditional credit products. By providing flexible working capital solutions, integrating mobile wallets, offering digital insurance and leveraging technology, financial institutions can create a conducive environment for MSMEs to thrive.

These innovations are essential for addressing the financial access gap and ensuring the sustainable growth of MSMEs, ultimately driving economic development and reducing inequality.

As we move towards a more digital and data-driven financial landscape, it is crucial to continue developing and implementing financial solutions that cater to the diverse needs of MSMEs, ensuring their resilience and success in an ever-changing economic environment.

Eunice Kinyanjui is the Head of Small Business at I&M Bank Ltd.

Do you have an opinion article to share with us? Reach us on opinion@viraltea.co.ke 

According to the publicist, the soon-to-be-released film is a fast-paced youth drama that follows the lives of four young girls in the streets of Jericho, a low-income settlement in Nairobi’s Eastlands, who are forced into a life of crime to make ends meet.

Enos Olik, the regionally-acclaimed music video director behind most of the iconic music visuals is following his directorial debut, Famous, with this new behind-the-camera project. Being still relatively new in film directorial roles, this must be another enchanting journey for him at the helm of Jiji. 

So, this is how the plot goes: 18-year-old Julz will do anything to provide for her family. When her younger brother is accepted into a prestigious international school, she and three friends take another job with Jericho’s kingpin, Makali, leading to tragic consequences that change their lives forever.

Poster for the crime drama series 'Jiji'. /HANDOUT

In his own words, director Olik aims to “capture the raw and authentic experiences of life in the ghetto, Jiji delves into the nuanced lives of four young women, each with unique strengths and vulnerabilities, as they navigate a world that constantly pulls them back into crime”.

Olik adds that the intense emotional and moral conflicts, combined with the dynamic setting of Eastlands, promise a gripping and heartfelt narrative that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Crime dramas are known for being full of suspense and intrigue, but can also be prone to recurrent cliches. Crime shows have been and continue to be a popular genre, with something for every viewer available, including thriller crimes, crime sitcoms, comedy-drama, sci-fi crime, crime mystery, and crime drama.

I've watched a lot of single movies and series with common crime tropes that are identifiers of the genre: filming techniques, character arcs, motifs, relationships, criminals, themes, locations, and story arcs. Sometimes the shows break the mould, providing a new take, and expanding the genre, and other times, they stick to what viewers know.

Many crime shows have a main detective who is paired with a consultant through curious circumstances.

They are the ones who often break the rules because they aren't held to the regulations police must follow. They connect to the suspects and have a unique way of investigating. They form a strong bond with their partner.

Examples include psychic Patrick Jane from The Mentalist (2008), crime author Richard Castle from Castle (2009), Dr Mark Sloan from Diagnosis Murder (1993), club owner and demon Lucifer in Lucifer (2016), and mathematician Charlie in Numb3rs (2005).

Locally, we have seen shows like Nairobi Half Life, Pepeta, Kina, and Cobra Squad contributing to the crime drama scene. While these shows have their unique elements, the genre’s high popularity calls for more originality from Kenyan filmmakers. 

There is nothing whatsoever wrong with most of these examples. But given the very high popularity of the genre, it would be nice if Kenyan film writers and directors could be more original more often, instead of similar themes and situations cropping up repeatedly. It can be done.

Filmmakers are finding it hard to balance the tried and true with the new, interesting and exciting. While appreciating that staple characters are inevitable, I don’t wish to watch again about the bitchy teenage girl or boy; the sleazy male boss; the alcoholic, cold society woman; the garrulous neighbour; prematurely adult child; hard-as-nails but secretly sensitive editor; snobbish matriarch; arrogant "dude" that the heroine nevertheless falls for; the wisecracking detective; and the town crazy.

I have come across them from time to time, of course, and not just in crime shows. However, there are certainly plenty of over-used situations and characters in the crime films I have binged on, and I hope Enos Olik's latest forthcoming project in the pipeline will be an exception, with an out-of-this-world plot twist. Fingers crossed!

Ooro George is a Kenyan journalist, art critic, digital stories, and cross-cultural curator. You can reach him via LinkedIn here, through email: oorojoj@gmail.com and on X @OoroGeorge

These were the words of Troy Kotsur after winning an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor at the 94th Academy Awards in 2022. Kotsur won the coveted accolade for his role as fisherman Frank Rossi in ‘Coda’.

The film’s title is a titular acronym that stands for "child of deaf adults", is a heart-warming coming-of-age comedy-drama about a teenage girl navigating her way through high school, life, and growing up as the only hearing member of a deaf family. 

He became only the second deaf actor to win an Oscar, after Marlee Matlin’s best actress award for ‘Children of a Lesser God’ in 1987.

Since its debut, it racked up critical global acclaim and a slew of awards. The film, which was directed by Sian Heder, was nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Picture – it won all three. Kotsur became the first male deaf actor to win an Oscar.

Actor Troy Kotsur holding his Oscars trophy. /IMDB

Upon accepting his Supporting Actor trophy from actress Youn Yuh-jung, he signed a funny and heartfelt speech.

"This is dedicated to the deaf community, the CODA community and the disabled community. This is our moment," he concluded.

The film also made history at the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards earlier the same year, taking home the prizes for Outstanding Cast and Actor in a Supporting Role for Kotsur. It broke ground as the first film with a predominantly deaf cast to receive the award and Kotsur became the first deaf actor to be nominated for and win an acting SAG. 

"You are all our peers,” Matlin signed for the cast's acceptance speech then. “We, deaf actors, have come a long way.”

A few weeks later, ‘CODA’ made history again at the British Academy of Film and Television Awards (BAFTA) Awards in London, where Kotsur once more became the first deaf actor to win a BAFTA when he bagged the Best Supporting Actor gong.

Accurate depictions are, of course, most reliably achieved by casting disabled actors in the first place. A tendency still exists industry-wide to cast able-bodied actors in disability roles, and in addition to lacking authenticity, this diminishes the unique identity and physicality that accompanies being a disabled person.

So-called “cropping-up” can bring actors like Eddie Redmayne critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Stephen Hawking in the 2014 film ‘The Theory of Everything’ but also prevents disabled actors from building any kind of profile or name value.

‘Sungura’, a short Kenyan film follows a disabled woman grappling with stigma as she goes through the journey of discovery to figure out her sexuality as a young, vibrant woman.

Florence Njeri, the actress who plays the role of “Kemunto”, the main character of the film,  is not a wheelchair user like the role she portrays but uses a prosthetic leg that helps her get around.

“When I saw the advert for the Sungura auditions I decided to try it out because it’s so rare to see a film trying to incorporate someone with a disability," she said.

A wheelchair user watching this film is included and represented by the film. Specific aspects of the life of a disabled person are explored; these include inaccessibility to physical spaces, social exclusion, ableism, and assumptions of asexuality under having a disability.

Of course, there are great examples of incidental, non-defining disability depiction as well, such as ‘Lisilojulikana’ (Unknown), a 70-minute dramatic film designed to not only educate but to also inspire and drive attitudinal change towards children with cerebral palsy. It tells the story of Grace, played by 15-year-old Vanessa, who has cerebral palsy herself and is severely physically disabled.

The film was chosen as the best medium to convey this message for several reasons: it’s deadpan and an authoritative depiction of fear and superstition attached to children with cerebral palsy in Kenya and elsewhere in Africa.

In 2019, many leading lights in Hollywood, including Bryan Cranston, Danny DeVito, Edward Norton and Ruth Madeley signed an open letter to executives demanding they “embrace disability as a key facet of diversity.” 

The letter further stated, “In the history of the Academy Awards, among the 61 Oscar nominees and 27 winners playing characters with a disability, only two were authentically portrayed by an actor with disability.”

Disabled actors, media professionals and expert contributors have always been grossly underrepresented in the film and TV industry. 

In 2020, in what the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) called "the biggest financial investment to on-air inclusion in the industry,” the corporation announced that it was allocating £100 million to the production of “diverse and inclusive content.”

The all-around diversity investment, described as a “big leap” by Director-General Tony Hall, runs up to 2024 and is supplemented by a commitment to ensuring that 20% of off-screen talent comes from under-represented groups.

Cast of the Kenyan short film, 'Sungura'. /KENYAN VIBE

Ultimately, Kenya’s film and TV industry requires a reboot and a shift of mindset when it comes to employing disabled talent both onscreen and behind the scenes.

By telling stories people can relate to, drama can attract large audiences, be easily understood regardless of literacy or education, and is very effective at evoking empathy and inspiring discussion.

Perhaps it will require more effort from industry luminaries and the Kenyan government, to convince local filmmakers to cast more disabled talent to tell their own stories, but without the right level of input from disabled members of the national assembly, government dignitaries, media and corporate executives, such stories will never be as credible or pure as they otherwise might have been.

Ooro George is a Kenyan journalist, art critic, digital stories, and cross-cultural curator. You can reach him via LinkedIn here, through email: oorojoj@gmail.com and on X @OoroGeorge

As farmers protest across Europe, blockading cities, smashing through police barricades, and dumping manure, European politicians are falling over themselves to promise increased trade barriers against African food and agriculture imports.

But how is it that locking out Kenyan horticulture, South African oranges and Tanzanian sunflower seeds has become such a burning issue for Africa’s biggest agricultural trading partner? The answer lies in pest control.

When the European Union launched its Green Deal climate action plan in 2019, with the noble aim of reducing the emissions driving climate change, it threw in an extra green target of phasing out the use of pesticides.

It seemed a sweet political move for the European Commission at the time, following countless distorted campaigns from environmentalists exploiting the membership and revenue power of claiming food and drink contamination and environmental catastrophe.

Facts weren’t a necessity in this: the point was scary headlines. Just one example, now impacting most of  Africa, was claims that one of the world’s newest and cleanest insecticides was wiping out bees, essential to the pollination of human food. It made a powerful narrative, creating images of a future world devoid of pollinated fruits.

It just didn’t happen to be true. The pesticides don’t affect bees and the bee population is rising rapidly everywhere, including in nations still using the targeted pest controls. But the bee campaign, and many others claiming far-fetched health and environmental risks, had, by then, driven public opinion and pseudo-science into a frenzy of opposition to pesticides

The timing couldn’t have been worse, as climate change began inexorably increasing the range and volume of plant pests and diseases.

Thus, as Europe rolled out ever more bans of pesticides deemed low risk elsewhere, its agricultural production began stagnating and declining. It gave farmers rounds of compensation, rising to now half their income. But, as the pest losses mounted, European producers began protesting against ‘unfair’ competition from imports still allowed to use pest protection, very often from Africa.

This saw Europe turn to the mission of enforcing its extra pesticide ‘precautions’ in Africa too. It began by moving most of the Maximum Residue Levels for these risk-approved pesticides to a technical zero. This triggered a World Trade Organisation dispute that is still running, driven by the US and India, but including multiple African nations, decrying the effective pesticide bans as trade barriers.

The EU then additionally introduced new lists of quarantine pests, most of which required the banned pesticides to control.

African agricultural exporters were caught in an effective pincer movement, locked out by pests they could no longer control.

In West Africa, the impact on the cocoa sector, which alone accounts for over a third of all African agricultural exports to the EU, has been so severe, that cocoa prices have now soared. Coffee has also been hurt, while, in Southern Africa, the fruit and nut industries, which account for another 14 per cent of Africa’s total agricultural exports to the EU, are hanging on a thread.

Last year, Europe demanded South Africa chill all oranges for export at below 2 degrees Celsius for 20 days before shipping instead of using pest protection, triggering industry warnings of a 20 per cent fall in exports and thousands of job losses.

But, in Kenya, efforts to maintain flower, fruit and vegetable exports to the EU have triggered even greater extremes, with the local banning of pesticides targeted by Europe drawing warnings from the CEO of the Kenya Fresh Produce Consortium of a $1bn food production loss per year. More recent estimates show the country will move into a food crisis in 2025 as a result.

Africans cannot survive if maize is left for the Fall ArmyWorm that destroys up to 70 per cent of crops, or cocoa is given up to mirids that also damage over 70 per cent of wheat to destroyed from leaf rust, and coffee to coffee berry borer.

African governments are juggling between limiting their export collapse - to maintain import funds without which all development slows - and ensuring food production and food security at home.

It is a dire trade-off - being driven by a policy so divisive in Europe that the European Parliament, last October, voted against a new bill to further halve its own pesticide use, while EU President Ursula von der Leyen has said pesticide withdrawals have now become “a symbol of polarization” for the EU

In Africa, they are creating poverty, hunger and reversed development, and now the solution to Europe’s newest political protests over them is to hit Africa harder still.

Jenny Luesby is a development consultant specialising in climate change and the publisher of FarmBizAfrica.com

In a company-wide internal memo written amid global unrest and protests sparked by the infamous killing of George Floyd, Wintour apologized to staff at the magazine for “publishing images or stories that have been hurtful or intolerant”. 

She acknowledged there were too few employees of color, and took full responsibility for mistakes made during her 32-year tenure.

“I want to say plainly that I know Vogue has not found enough ways to elevate and give space to black editors, writers, photographers, designers and other creators.

"We have made mistakes too, publishing images or stories that have been hurtful or intolerant. I take full responsibility for those mistakes.” she asserted.

Usher wears a Dolce & Gabbana jacket and pants, Bally boots, Kwiat, and David Yurman jewellery. Murphy wears an Altuzarra jacket, top, and skirt, and Schiaparelli shoes. /VOGUE

Fast Forward to January 2024, barely three years after Wintour’s apology, the supposed fashion-forward and approachable legacy magazine seems to have dropped the ball if it wasn’t par for the course.

The publication recently unveiled its 2024 winter digital issue featuring Usher Raymond, a globally acclaimed dancer and musician,  as the cover star.

The edition quickly drew backlash for relegating the singer – who recently performed at the Super Bowl halftime show – to the corner behind an all-white youth football team and a little-known white supermodel by the name of Carolyn Murphy.

Fans across the globe expressed their displeasure with the magazine cover. They wondered why Usher, a record-breaking multiple award-winning recording and performing artist, was barely visible on his magazine cover in a pullout highlighting his moment.

They criticized Vogue for not giving Usher a solo cover and making him share the spotlight with seemingly ‘random people’.The model is also photographed alongside Usher in many of the images included in the online Vogue cover story.

Taking to Facebook, one user named Karen Marie Jenkins wrote: “This looks like little league football and I don't know why the model is there and Usher is lost in the crowd. Another case of the magazine not letting folks shine on their own merit….instead watering it down. Tired of Vogue.”

Another Facebooker named Malcolm King Harris ranted by saying “Vogue literally went out of their way to say - ‘USHER is not important enough to be on our cover alone…’ Sadly, THEY ARE WRONG!!! He is as relevant today than former supermodel Carolyn Murphy could ever be in 2024!!! PERIOD!!!”

The latest irksome magazine cover is just one of many instances in which the highly-esteemed publication, which is famously nicknamed the world’s ‘fashion bible’, frames black men in a disrespectful light.

In 2008, the first Black man featured on the cover was LeBron James alongside supermodel Gisele Bündchen. The issue’s theme of “body” justified the pairing of a superstar athlete and a top model.

However, this caused an uproar. Audiences rightfully poked holes in the similarities of the cover – photographed by Annie Lebowitz. Anni – to a distasteful World War Two poster depicting a German soldier as an ape kidnapping a white woman.

The poster uses the imagery of King Kong holding Fay Ray to dehumanize Germans. It was effective as propaganda because it tapped into the allegory for racist white fears of Black and Native people. 

Six years later, the magazine was on the receiving end again after bringing on its second Black man on its cover, the then-married celebrity couple, Kanye West and Kim Kardashian in 2014.

While it was Kardashian who got a lot of heat for this cover, critics felt she was undeserving and too “trashy” for the editorial. While unfair to her, it did mark a burgeoning pattern by Vogue of putting a fair-skinned white or white-appearing woman next to a Black man as the standard for a Vogue shoot. 

“It is no secret that the media industry is experiencing an unprecedented level of disruption. This has upended legacy business models but has also created a wave of new opportunities. To successfully navigate this changing media landscape, the industry needs bold ideas and innovative strategies brought to life by broad and inclusive talent cultures.” Justin B. Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Bloomberg Media Group, opines in a piece published on Bloomberg.com.  

“Media organizations must be open to change and uncertainty, and be comfortable in a place where we’re constantly incorporating new perspectives and challenging the status quo. I see this as our primary responsibility and the only way for our business to continue to be successful in the future,” he writes.

The Front Cover Image Matters a lot in Journalism

You may be wondering why I have taken my time to focus on this issue of Vogue magazine's front cover photos. You see, front covers on newspaper and magazine pages greatly stimulate public interest in current events and human-angle stories by attracting and retaining their attention. 

A photograph is an instrument of communication. In journalism parlance, we say it tells the story. A photo album tells a story. When sequentially arranged, it promotes a historical picture as good as literature does. 

In assessing a leader’s ability, Smith advises that we have to look not only at what they do but how they do it.

Usher wears an Ami tank top. Alexander McQueen pants. Murphy wears a Gucci dress. /VOGUE

“Do they lead from the front? Do they roll up their sleeves? Do they model the type of behaviour essential to creating a work culture that is not just successful and efficient, but also inclusive and tolerant, where respect and selflessness are valued?”

“Leaders have to do this work day in and day out. It’s not enough to talk about what you want the company to be — you must represent it.” he laments.

We also know that a story, no matter the vitality it has, needs a photograph to enhance its strength. Photographs are visual magnets and they arrest the attention of readers.

In modern-day journalism, glossy pictures and even black-and-white pictures of celebrities thrill readers. For these reasons, we say that front cover pictures are entry points to a publication. Readers might first see the loud headlines, but from literature, readers first cast a glance at the picture before continuing with grey matter. 

With February being a Black History Month in the US, Vogue and its parent company, Conde Nast, ought to have done better with their winter issue’s front page cover photo.

Usher’s exceptional contribution to modern-day pop culture has enriched the industry through his powerful lyricism, diverse creativity and groundbreaking performances. His success is a sheer depiction of the creativity of Black professionals in the media and arts not only entertains but also challenges societal norms, fostering inclusivity and inspiring future generations.

Ooro George is a Kenyan journalist, art critic, digital stories, and cross-cultural curator. You can reach him via LinkedIn here, through email: oorojoj@gmail.com and on Twitter @OoroGeorge

The Kenyan music industry has indeed grown in leaps and bounds over the last 25 years.

With more and more music being released every single day, it’s a near-impossible task to keep track of everything that’s coming. From gengetone to afro-pop to RnB to Hip Hop, the choices made available feel endless – not to mention vinyl, re-releases and collectable editions.

Musically, the last three years were the best to time being alive- they were all about album releases. We had multiple hit-making Kenyan artistes like Nyashinski, H_art The Band, Avril, Sauti Sol and Femi One releasing their critically-acclaimed studio albums.

Singer Bahati raised eyebrows with a change in musical style, officially ditching gospel music by releasing a contemporary album with a suggestive album cover in which he and a video model pose in a seductive embrace.

Rapper Nyashinski. /FILE

But we’re not done yet, 2024 has some huge unannounced dates for Kenya’s musical diary with releases that we can’t wait to hear.

Of the yet-to-be-launched musical projects, I’ve picked out The MZs album, Nameless and Wahu's joint release that could/should/probably won’t but hopefully will materialize. Fingers crossed!

It’s hard to recall the last time a Kenyan artist generated so much expectation for an album. Quite a lot has changed in the world since Nameless last released an album, with ‘On Fire’, the debut album that catapulted him to stardom, arriving in what now feels like the positively ancient times of 2004.

This is by far the longest shot, but fans have been desperate for King Monski to reclaim his throne. It’s been exactly 20 years since ‘On Fire’, and the speculation that something new is in the works has been pretty much constant ever since his disclosure of project B4iR back in 2014. 

It could well have been an indication that a new album was imminent, but all we’ve had has been a handful of singles like ‘African Beauty’, ‘Butterfly’, ‘Letigo’, ‘Inspire’, ‘Voloyum’, ‘Pah’, and airy quotes from those close to the Nairobi-bred crooner that the project might appear soon. Sigh.

As a singing couple, where do you go after being together for a quarter of a century and churning out tens of chart-topping MTV Award-scooping singles? For the Mathengez (Nameless and Wahu), the answer is backwards.

In 2021, the celebrity couple announced they would be co-producing their soon-to-be-released ‘Mz’ album short for Mathengez, not only to signify their two-decade respective music careers but also weave the colourful story of love and relationships.

It will also include the ups and downs, successes and failures, and happy and sad moments. The couple will also share their relationship journey through this album as they tell the story behind the music.

According to the husband-and-wife entertainers, the MZ Album Project carries a variety of sounds and topics and the team will strive to release a single every month or so, as they build up to release the full album. Regardless of whether you love them or loathe them, it's hard to deny their influence stretches far and wide. 

Now, it looks like the joint album might finally be on the horizon, with a release in the second half of 2024 almost certain. 

'Feeling’, a three-minute love ballad written by up-and-coming artist Brandon Israel, Birech, and produced by acclaimed superstar producer Cedo -- is among the lead singles off the upcoming album that is set to pack in 12 tracks. 

With the duo’s ability to wrap dense lyricism around their multifaceted instrumentals, it certainly seems like this will be a collection of songs with plenty to say. 

Ooro George is a Kenyan journalist, art critic, digital stories, and cross-cultural curator. You can reach him via LinkedIn here, through email: oorojoj@gmail.com and on Twitter @OoroGeorge

Mugo had built Niaje into a traffic juggernaut by being among the first to see the rising social web. The site made a buzz in 2013 as the main photography partner in almost all major entertainment events in Nairobi, including events sponsored by mainstream media like Nation Media Group, capturing moments of partygoers and publishing them on their social media pages.

In 2013, Niaje scooped two gongs at the Bloggers Association of Kenya (BAKE) Awards—The Best Entertainment Blog and The Overall Best Blog in 2013.

In 2014, Niaje won the Webfluential African Blog of the Year Award. Niaje also won the 2017 Entertainment Blog of the Year award at the BAKE Awards 2017. 

A logo of the Niaje news website. /MDUNDO AFRICA

Until its closure, Niaje was the internet’s newsroom. The viral-baiting, social-media-age-defining news blog, pioneered a business model—and a journalistic ethos—that embodied the digital media dream. 

The potential math of converting clicks into cash that would fund hard-hitting investigative journalism felt like the ultimate proof of concept for content-making in that fertile, social media-centric era. It was an opportunity to work in a kind of social compact that transcended the terms of conventional employment.

Tough Times For Digital Media Houses Right Now

“The darling digital upstarts of the 2010s invested heavily in journalism, racking up scoops and awards, but unlike The New York Times, weren’t built to weather industry upheaval,” Jill Abramson, former executive editor of The New York Times, writes in her opinion piece published by Vanity Fair magazine.

This was in the wake of breaking news that BuzzFeed News – a plucky, dossier-publishing American internet media and news company –  that shaped public conversion on everything from celebrity gossip-gathering and scandal-mongering to investigative pieces, would soon cease publication.

According to Jonah Peretti, co-founder and CEO of the Pulitzer Prize–winning online news site, the decision to fold was informed by “a fading SPAC market that yielded less capital,” a “decelerating digital advertising market,” and “ongoing audience and platform shifts,” among other reasons. The announcement coincided with broader workforce reductions, involving a 15 per cent cut in jobs “across nearly every division.”

I have written before about how technological disruption in the 2010s made news blogs and websites, in retrospect, the ultimate fantasy of the digital sphere, leaving traditional media organizations clutching for the last straw.

Bloggers, Digital Journalists Taking Over

Most bloggers and vloggers, by dint of their professionalized mastery of virality, have become online brands unto themselves—at least among the media-obsessed set. Because of their role as canaries in the digital media coal mine; the abrupt shuttering of major internet newsrooms like BuzzFeed News and Vice, is likely the clearest-signalled end to the most decorated era of the internet thus far. 

While a handful of bloggers and digital media practitioners like Samwel Majani of Ghafla, Marvin Chege (founder & editor-in-chief, Viral Tea), Mario Armando of Perez Hilton, Sandra Rose, Millard Ayo, Linda Ikeji of Linda Ikeji’s blog and Eve Mungai have successfully expanded from quirky offshoots of sub-domain sites to establishing sprawling digital media enterprises with incredible award-winning news features that challenged the dominance of mainstay media institutions, others found themselves lost along the way, leading to either sell-offs, layoffs or complete closures due to an inability to figure out how to turn their platforms into sustainable businesses.

Digital Media Woes In Kenya

Media personality-cum-politican, Jalang’o, reportedly fired his staff whom he entrusted to run his nationally-acclaimed YouTube channel, Jalang’o TV, after he embarked on a political journey.

The former radio presenter later introduced a new set of employees and revealed that the former presenters ended up partying instead of working hard, despite the platform already having a reputable name.

"The boys started playing around yet the channel needed to generate money. The channel currently generates a mediocre income yet it used to make millions," he said.

Facebook, X & Other Social Media Platforms Dumping News Websites

As Facebook and other tech platforms evolved, they became like difficult landlords who would often withhold support.

They simply stopped distributing links to websites. Relying on advertising to sustain bloggers, vloggers and other content creators started seeming less workable as a solution over time. 

This is a sheer depiction of betrayal that the realities of digital media have laid bare: For every blogger and vlogger who’s dedicated themselves to news and content creation of the place synonymous with the internet’s optimistic spirit of experimentation comes the realization that such experiments require a great degree of gambling with invested capital with minimal returns.

The folding of prominent digital news sites like BuzzFeed News, Vice, Niaje, and Hivisasa signals a vast shift in digital media that those of us who live inside it are feeling intensely right now, the end of one era and the beginning of another. 

Those of us lucky enough to be re-building or building from scratch in this new phase have to realize that the old way of thinking about news – based on text on the World Wide Web and distributed primarily on social media – is long gone.

But the demand to understand what’s happening in the world – who, when, where, why and how –  is still high.

Ooro George is a Kenyan journalist, art critic, digital stories, and cross-cultural curator. You can reach him via LinkedIn here, through email: oorojoj@gmail.com and on Twitter @OoroGeorge

This is a tweet from January 20, 2022, by Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, famously known as Bobi Wine. He was replying to a post by Daily Monitor newspaper that reported primary school pupils in Eastern Uganda studying under trees due to a shortage of classrooms.

Uganda is regarded as the pearl of Africa because of its abundant biodiversity, colour, profusion, brilliant life and serene beauty, all set against the backdrop of a nation decimated by an iron-fisted inept regime and economic downturn.

When he came to power in 1986, President Yoweri Museveni promised to uplift women and spearheaded the enactment of a constitution that would guarantee equality for all Ugandans.

Then, he recognised that there was no such thing as a pure African culture. That same African culture he is now "protecting" displaced women from their land, killing innocent children for having disabilities and mutilating women and children's genitalia.

Museveni acknowledged that it was time for Africa to look colonialism in the eye, count her losses and move on. Early in his regime, there was a sexual revolution, the beginning of genuine recovery from Idi Amin's era, when women were not allowed to wear miniskirts and intolerance reigned.

But like most revolutionaries, he lost focus and the benefits of the revolution started to matter less. Museveni clenched his fists and reinforced intolerance from the post-colonial era.

On January 15, 2024, the now world-famous modern-day Uganda liberation champion -- delivered a compelling address that encapsulated a year marked by adversity and resilience -- shedding light on the challenges faced by the opposition in Uganda.

The musician-cum-politician commenced his speech with a symbolic mic check, leading into a reflection on the turbulent events of the past year, 2023. He drew attention to the alleged misappropriation of relief items in Karamoja by top government officials, emphasizing the dire consequences faced by the region’s impoverished population.

With a solemn tone, Bobi Wine recounted the wave of abductions and arbitrary arrests, detailing the unjust imprisonment of his colleagues, Hon. Ssewanyana and Hon. Ssegirinya, for over 500 days without a fair trial.

He then transitioned to the alleged orchestrated attacks on opposition leaders, including himself, expressing concern over a series of shootings that he believes may be a precursor to a government-led crackdown.

He emphasized the significance of upholding Article 3 of the Constitution and urged citizens to mobilize against what he termed “dictation.” His address not only encapsulated the ongoing struggles faced by anti-Museveni politicians but also depicted a picture of a resilient movement striving for justice and democratic values in the face of adversity.

Amidst these challenges, Bobi Wine highlighted the international acclaim received for the documentary, “The People’s President,” which scooped a global cinema gong in New York and is now in contention for an Oscar award at the upcoming 96th Academy Awards, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS). 

The ceremony which will take place on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood will be televised live on America Broadcasting Corporation and in more than 200 territories worldwide.

For Wine, clinching an Oscar accolade would not only mobilize support within the pearl of Africa but also stimulate greater global solidarity for his cause. It would remind the world that the struggle for democracy and human rights in Uganda is part of a larger global movement towards justice and equality.

For local supporters in Uganda, seeing one of their own stand on the biggest artistic stage to receive such a coveted prize, will be incredibly awe-inspiring and empowering.

It could reignite hope and determination within the opposition movement, encouraging them to press on with their fight for freedom and justice despite the challenges they encounter.

Bobi Wine and Embakasi East MP, Babu Owino during a past Citizen TV interview. /FILE

From his acceptance speech to interviews and media appearances, a win will offer him an unprecedented opportunity to advocate for change – allowing him to amplify his message, rally international support, and pressure the rigid-minded President Museveni to address the issues raised in the documentary.

Ooro George is a Kenyan journalist, art critic, digital stories, and cross-cultural curator. You can reach him via LinkedIn here, through email: oorojoj@gmail.com and on Twitter @OoroGeorge

The Independent Redress Mechanism (IRM) addresses complaints by people who believe they are adversely affected or may be affected by projects or programmes funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

The IRM works with stakeholders in a flexible and participatory way to resolve issues and address grievances.

Problem-solving can include information sharing and consultation, facilitation, mediation, joint fact-finding, and other tools.

The IRM’s practice is guided by the principles of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). The goal of the problem-solving process is to address specific issues that have given rise to the request or complaint and to help identify and agree on solutions that meet the interests of the relevant parties.

Representatives from the Chemichemi Foundation with journalists from ANGAAF Radio Station. /NANCY MARANGU

It encompasses the clarification of issues of concern, understanding the needs and interests of stakeholders, assisting parties in identifying solutions, and helping them reach agreement on the terms of these solutions.

More so, based on discussions with the primary stakeholders in a complaint or request, the IRM supports them in developing a jointly agreed problem-solving process. The intention is to address the issues raised or, where the concern cannot be resolved, it is referred for IRM compliance review.

Furthermore, the IRM conducts independent compliance appraisals and investigations of GCF projects and programmes and their adherence to GCF policies and procedures.

It recommends to the GCF Board based on its review to ensure compliance and provide redress. The goal of the compliance process is to determine whether any GCF policies or procedures have been violated and, if so, make recommendations on how redress or remedy should be provided.

Compliance processes focus on GCF and compliance with its relevant policies and procedures in a specific project. IRM compliance investigations are independent of but complementary to, GCF’s procedures for ensuring project compliance.

To remain abreast with the IRM’s reporting mechanisms, all journalists in Kenya need to be trained on its provision. This is by virtue that, Kenya is implementing the Towards Ending Emergencies (TWENDE) project, being financed by the Green Climate Fund in different counties.

According to journalists who were part of the IRM sensitization carried out by the Chemichemi Foundation in Laikipia, Marsabit, Turkana, Isiolo, West Pokot and Baringo Counties, the journalists recommended that the project implementors, the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), to put into consideration to onboard the media/journalists during their stakeholder workshops of the project.

Alternatively, they recommended that the IRM unit consider convening a capacity-building session for them. This is with the appreciation that the media and specifically the journalists are always at the forefront of providing coverage of environmental governance news that affect all. 

Nancy Marangu is a Communication and Public Policy Analyst. You can reach her at nancy.marangu@gmail.com

Do you have an opinion article to share with us? Reach us on info@viraltea.co.ke 

However, as I sought to deviate from the now seemingly monotonous subject, I came across a few cheating occurrences. I was to dismiss them (since I handled the topic before) but something else drew me in. 

A Twitter (now X) user had quote-replied to a tweet asking for debatable opinions on cheating, and hers was debunked quite easily. This drove me into the rabbit hole of beliefs had about infidelity. 

You can’t love somebody and cheat i’m sorry. The 2 can’t co-exist https://t.co/vnteJJnSxy

— ????????????✞✞✞ (@WhoTFissim) September 22, 2023

As a podcaster who’s spent years talking about relationships and cheating, my interest was piqued.

I took a few of the common beliefs about cheating and put them to the test, which you can listen to here if you prefer audio but here’s the written version below.

Opinions on Cheating 

Before I start tearing into people’s beliefs and questioning their logic, I need to give a disclaimer:

What I say about cheating may seem to relate to men alone but for the most part, it will be unisex.

This may be because I’m a man and thus have a better understanding of a man’s mind or because many believe that men will be the de facto cheaters (which we know is a lie, but oh well) in most relationships plagued by infidelity. 

Since I got that out of the way, I can now address some beliefs without fear or remorse so:

You can’t cheat and still love your partner 

While this belief does make sense for some people, I can argue that for most men, this is wrong. Cheating has a lot less to do with love and a lot more to do with a combination of choice and discipline.

It’s not as common for a man to fall in love with the woman he’s cheating with, with most doing it for sexual variety (statistically speaking). In simpler terms, we chase because it’s fun and because we see getting sex as a win. 

Women on the other hand are a lot more susceptible to falling into the love trap with their side-piece. Statistically, most women fall in love with their side and will also not circulate multiple men. Some men do this too, but it’s usually due to internal issues within the relationship that cause a sense of dissatisfaction.

Once a cheat, always a cheat

This is one of those beliefs that is debatable as it is true on an individual level as opposed to being collectively true.

There’s no concrete evidence that it’s true for every cheater and there have been many examples of people who’ve stuck to their one partner after the fact. 

What we do know is that those who cheat for sexual variety tend to be the least likely to settle down. This is more of a logical assumption than fact, mainly because people who are used to and enjoy having ‘choice’ dread the lack of it so giving it up is a hard task in and of itself. It’s not impossible, just hard.

It’s in a man’s nature to cheat 

This is wrong and is mostly a large stack of BS. This belief has been used for years and works to reinforce the behaviour of men who prefer to participate in the act.

What science says is that men are wired to desire sexual variety, which was an evolutionary advantage when we roamed the jungle (“reproduce and fill the earth” type s***). 

Arguments have been made speaking of our forefathers choosing to be polygamous, which only serves to blur the idea in favour of the cheater. Many cite how Christianity brought about monogamy which isn’t ‘natural’ and tried to take us away from our natural roots. 

I’d argue that infidelity is more a case of nurture than nature, considering that in places where it’s shunned by society, fewer people practice and in places where it’s normalized, many treat it as a normality.

Things like testosterone levels in men can also affect the possibility of cheating as well but it’s not a guarantee that it enables/disables the behaviour.

Cheaters should be in open or poly relationships 

This is a belief that I’ve been hearing a lot more regularly which is wrong.

Its uptick in belief and resonance with many mainly stems from the widespread awareness of alternative relationship types such as open and poly (short for polyamorous) relationships. This gives a sense of belief that there’s some arrangement out there for those who don’t do well with monogamy. 

The problem is that many fail to understand the intricacies of such relationships which may often require more trust and transparency than is required to maintain your typical closed relationship.

Boundaries and rules such as vetting of sex partners by your significant other, always using a condom, just doing it with a sex worker etc. are things that may hinder many people from fulfilling their fantasy of sleeping with a colleague and/or friend. Most cheaters also don’t like it when their partner gets some action as well so there’s that too.

Women cheat better/worse than men

This is a very debatable but easy-to-debunk belief. Many believe that women can cheat for years and go undiscovered yet men can cheat today and get discovered today. This isn’t a matter of prowess but a matter of attention to detail.

Women are more geared towards it with their partner than men, which skews things in their favour. A woman will detect another woman’s perfume on you or even how different you are in the bedroom and have question marks. 

A man will mostly focus on the most important things (highlights) so long as he’s well fed, and respected and balls are drained, he’ll be oblivious to many things.

Some men can pay attention to detail but rarely ever to the woman’s level. This makes it harder for men to identify a woman cheating as opposed to when the tables are turned.

Conclusion

So in short, not everything is as it seems. Many have believed one thing or another about cheating and a lot think they’re right.

While these were a few pointers, they should help realign some ideas on the subject. I still don’t endorse cheating, and I’m hoping that you don’t either.

For those who do, bring back some data so we can make some more conclusions, okay? Thanks.

Denver B is a TV personality on the show Men’s Conference and a podcaster on the Break Time on Westside podcast which speaks on love, sex & relationships spanning over 360 episodes. You can reach him through his email denversonline@gmail.com

Do you have an opinion article to share with us? Reach us on info@viraltea.co.ke 

I first interacted with Dr. Wasena Angira in early 2019 when I secured a job at the St. Peter’s Orthopedic and Surgical Specialty Centre (Kinoo, Kiambu County). Doc, as many call him, has a very calm demeanour.

He is not loud. At all. He carries himself with grace and treats everyone equally.

As staff at the Hospital, we felt proud to be associated with him. We liked working with him. He was easy to talk to, dealt with misunderstandings in a fair manner and often spoke to the staff, assuring us of our contribution to the success of the hospital.

I worked as a cashier at the hospital back then, coupled with a few tasks in the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) department.

A building at St Peter's Orthopaedic and Surgical Speciality Centre in Kinoo, Kiambu County. /STPETERS.CO.KE

Before starting on NHIF services, I was given about a month’s worth of training from one of the administrators of the hospital and a colleague nurse who had over five years of experience dealing with NHIF claims and services.

I had previously worked as an NHIF clerk in a public level 4 hospital, but this was different. I remember how much they emphasized double-checking every patient’s details.

Every NHIF form submission passed through about three people before being fed into the system, for the sole purpose of making sure nothing was incorrect. Being an orthopaedic hospital, we attached every claim with Doctor reports, recommendations, surgical procedures to be done and even X-ray copies.

From the get-go, it was made very clear that the claim forms were to be verified and free of errors.

The few times we noticed errors in patient documents, unpaid premiums, etc, we forwarded them to the hospital administrator who would then advise the families on what to correct, etc. Nothing was left to chance.

I eventually left St Peter’s after about a year of working there. While I worked in other areas while growing my career, my former colleagues would inform me that a new, much bigger hospital building had been completed and that the hospital had grown in leaps and bounds.

I was genuinely happy for them, remembering how tirelessly everyone there worked to ensure that patients were well taken care of.

Fast forward to mid this year, a few people who knew I’d worked at the hospital sent me a news item by NTV about an NHIF scandal. St Peter’s was on the list of hospitals “exposed” by Nation.

I remember feeling sad and angry seeing that report. The most annoying part was the calibre of hospitals in the same list, in comparison with St. Peter’s. I wondered how this could be true, having served at the very core of the issue in contention, NHIF.

As a person who has personally seen hundreds of patients undergoing treatment at the hospital, getting help and eventually going back to good health, it irks me that such a story would be aired.

The hospital had started its services in a small building in Uthiru a few years prior. Back then, a lot of Kenyans would have to pay an arm and a leg for orthopaedic services in mostly Level 5 and Level 6 hospitals.

St Peter’s came through by offering quite affordable medical services, mostly and almost entirely reliant on NHIF cards. I witnessed patients coming in from Mombasa, Garissa, Embu, Kitale, Nakuru, Nairobi, and every part of Kenya to access these services.

And in all that time, I never witnessed any complaints of mishandling or claims of fraud or theft. If anything, St Peter’s encouraged a lot of people to pay their NHIF premiums, noting how those with serious orthopaedic issues got assistance.

Speaking now, I do not speak as a biased individual. I speak for the thousands of families across the country who have benefitted first-hand from St Peter’s Hospital.

For the last few months, a lot of families have been forced to stay with their sick patients in the hope that their beloved hospital will resume services.

Circulating a false narrative based on a few unfortunate scenarios which are a possibility in every major surgery, is the utmost misuse of influence.

The Nation should apologize to St Peter’s. It has cost people jobs, livelihoods, months of pain and loss of hope.

Grace Matheka is a brand communicator and entrepreneur. She has written over 1,000 articles on various topics covering health, gender equality, diversity and the arts. You can reach her at grcmurugi1@gmail.com 

Do you have an opinion article to share with us? Reach us on info@viraltea.co.ke 

Whilst contemplating my new year as a more experienced member of humanity, I started to contemplate my eventful yet single life.

I’m growing wiser by the day and spending my 23 hours fearing women and saving the last hour to fear Nairobi women even more. Even then I wondered if dating would get easier for me now that I know more about it.

Then I remembered a recent tweet I covered in an episode which said: 

Dating in your 30s as a man is no joke. You'll be doing your best to make a relationship work, because you know how hard it is - based on previous experiences - to find a connection. But it'll register to them as a desperation - the absence of options.

A man has to be…

— T. R. Okuna (@XivTroy) August 23, 2023

It started to hit me that the saying “when the going gets tough, the tough get going” may have to apply to my dating life but since I’m not 30 yet I’d have to check later to confirm.

Either way, I discussed its possibility here but there’s more to it than the few minutes I gave it.

Listen to it below:

Initial thoughts; it doesn’t change much, at least not in your early 30s 

When I first thought it through, it seemed like a lie as opposed to what I’d heard online. I’ve been fortunate to interact with both genders in their 30s and on asking, I have received mixed opinions on the belief of ageing and dating. 

Some men believe that 30 is when their dating life starts to look up as they start making more money and can afford to be and do better.

Some women have spoken about how they view 30 as the time they get serious with life, giving priority to settling down and setting up their present for a better future.

This new seriousness that the women give to dating is what inevitably becomes the biggest boundary and flag (don’t ask which colour) in dating. 

Women: Value then vs. Value now 

Stop me if you’ve heard this before: men bang who they can and marry who they want, and women bang who they want and marry who they can.

As crude as the statement sounds, it carries a lot of truth in today’s world. Many women carry a perceived value that allows them to act and live a certain way due to the lustful or intimate desires of men being sent their way.

This is what gets them free drinks, favours, free trips, and calls to events at another man’s expense. This man is rarely ever their boyfriend(s). 

This value often changes as they grow (and don’t want free drinks anymore) and the next batch of young, impressionable and free-spirited women join the fray, adding to the numbers in the dating market. As both genders grow older, their earning capacities grow and this affects their options.

Men (who are mostly driven by quantity) can get more women now. Women (who are mostly built on quality) can get better men, or so they believe. 

The quality is lower than ever 

The problem with the belief system I stated earlier is that it is fundamentally flawed due to the ideas coming from the gender generating them.

Men believing that they make more money and thus have more options gives the belief that an increase in choice guarantees the best one. This eventually increases ego and makes choosing harder as there is a larger pool to confuse your desires for an overall package.

One would think the women will do better but you’d also be wrong there as well. 

An increase in quality standards of choice will almost immediately reduce the number of options you have. This is meant to filter out the bad seed to leave room for the better, to which you’ll choose the best.

That’s what women think, which is also flawed. What they find is that those men are almost no different from the ones they weeded out, save for good Public Relations (PR) and more expensive tastes.

They are eventually left in the conundrum that is higher status but men of the same character as the ones they disposed of. Think of dropping a problematic (Mazda) Demio for a problematic Maserati.

Dating based on value, not desire 

What is left as people grow whilst still in the dating market is a sense of value-driven dating and start refining their strategies and filters to adjust to it.

Men see their value based on their capability to provide but will want someone to domesticate and (possibly) start a family with. Women understand that time isn’t on their side and may have the intention to have kids or simply have a long-term partner. This is reflected in their dating strategies.

Men will start to date with an inclination towards showing their financial capabilities while women will choose dates based on perceived character and with a filter adjusted towards higher EQ (emotional intelligence) as opposed to financial intelligence or where they rank on a pyramid amongst other men.

Both genders tend to retain their traits thus they may not attract each other. The man who wants to show he has money/capabilities meets the woman who wants a caring and affectionate man.

The two repel each other or get together with friction on either side throughout their relationships. The younger entrants into the market end up profiting from both in one way or another.

Conclusion

So now we’re at an impasse. The older man wants to show he is capable and the older woman wants a man who can sustainably care and be considerate.

Both were driven to their destinations by life today. Maybe if they settled down earlier then maybe it wouldn’t be as annoying, or as hard, but I can’t say for sure.

The conclusion remains the same: adjust to what the opposite sex wants or suffer the consequences of trial and error till you tire and resent the process. Then, rinse and repeat.

Denver B is a TV personality on the show Men’s Conference and a podcaster on the Break Time on Westside podcast which speaks on love, sex & relationships spanning over 360 episodes. You can reach him through his email denversonline@gmail.com

Do you have an opinion article to share with us? Reach us on info@viraltea.co.ke 

It all started with a podcast clip posted by Maurice Matheka (a Sex Therapist) speaking on women enjoying the cake and eating it too, his largest set of clients and why that demographic makes for the largest client base. It then moved into a thought battle about women today vs. 20+ years ago and their different outlooks on dating. 

As I pondered on the differences between the two, I tried to focus on their issues with mate compatibility today. Then I came to a wild conclusion: We're looking through the 'partner checklist' in the wrong order today as opposed to before.

This realization made for a particularly interesting episode so I figured I should bring some of it here. 

Matured Preferences 

Maurice spoke of the difference in preferences which made more sense given that the outspoken desires of women have changed over the past 20 years. From a desire for comfort and financial stability taking the top spot to sex ranking higher than ever before, the 'checklist' could not be more flipped over.

The desires of today's 20–30-year-old woman starkly contrast with what was asked for 20-30 years ago. The talk of a good man with good values who worked hard believed in God and knew how to treat a woman well/was a gentleman are ever rarer today than ever before.

There's a replacement in terms of the order of requirements which has been set in an ever more interesting way. 

The Unusual Flip 

If you asked the typical woman to describe her checklist for a man 15-20 years ago, you'd have gotten an order that looked something like this: 

1. A good man with good values 
2. God fearing
3. Dependable
4. Good-looking/financially stable 
5. Funny/fun to be around
6. Good in bed (if she had experience and was outspoken enough) 

The idea behind this was simply finding a good enough man that you can start a family, have a few kids and relate comfortably. Even if you'd miss on a few things, as long as priorities were met, he'd pass with flying colours. 

Today's example of the fairer sex's desires takes a more reversed view of the situation, leaning more towards vibes than anything else.

The idea of comfort when with a particular person is used as opposed to the pre-existing checklist which prioritises perceived longevity of the relationship based on who the people are. The list is then reversed and looks something like this:

1. Funny/fun to be around
2. Good in bed (interchangeable)
3. Good-looking/financially stable (interchangeable) 
4. Dependable 
5. God fearing
6. A good man with good values 

Good Boys Ain't No Fun 

Stop me if you've heard this before," Bad boys ain't no good, good boys ain't no fun". The idea of the bad boy who treats you right has almost become an ideal for a lot of women craving the charisma and the vibes that would keep them entertained and happy.

This has (in turn) degraded the idea of the good, honest, hardworking man as it's brought them out as nothing more than straightforward and boring. 

The idea of being a fun partner isn't bad, but it does put emphasis on the need to be entertained. While some men are quite adept at the task, many suffer from a lack of charisma and narrow information bandwidths which make them unsuitable for the task of being fun.

This puts them on the back while Mr. Funloving (Bwana Vaibu) gets a catapult to a level where he has more options than he can handle at a go. So what do you think the other guy does? 

Bad Boys Ain't No Good

Adapt. He adapts to the environment as best as he can. The shift from trying to take things slow to getting it all at once becomes the goal.

No more trying to be chivalrous because the only reward is the friendzone. Be foul and/or try to be funny, that's what seems to work these days. It may not be true but the ones who are getting some seem to do that and it works.

The idea of being the bad boy has been pushed as the ladies' man by both media (via content) and society (via results). The resulting reaction is having multiple men who aren't built for the role of a bad boy or a ladies' man act in that role.

This has bred bad role models, assholes, and deadbeats among other examples. We can blame this on not having better role models (if any) but the issue is really the women. Ironically enough, they speak ill of these men, but they created them.

Authors of Their Own Downfall

Women fell for the bad boys. Women left good men for bad boys. Women let the bad boys hit it while the good ones waited. This has been the biggest issue.

Men simply saw the blueprint of being a good guy as lacking in results and chose to adapt to the strategy with the most optimal results on a sexual level. If the man gets sex from a woman, there's not much more he can get from her physically.

Previously, there used to be a checklist and challenges before you got some but today you can get it with barely any barriers to entry, and that's thanks to the women. They advocated for no shame for having faster sex.

Using role-model couples like Chrissy Teigen & John Legend (who had sex on the first date) as patrons of sorts, they sought the abolition of shame. Men didn't care and saw it as a win, so they championed it too. Can you see the results now? 

Conclusion

I never end these things without a solution, so I thought of one. It's definitely not bringing back shaming, since I doubt that will work. I do think that bringing back those barriers to entry should do the trick though.

Women hold the keys to sex, and as a man, I know I can only access it after she says yes. If I have to be something/someone better to get the approval, then I just might.

Maybe we need to start doing more good to get sex from the women. Maybe then, after having become better men should we get the goods. Probably at that point, we'll start making for better husbands, boyfriends and even partners.

Denver B is a TV personality on the show Men’s Conference and a podcaster on the Break Time on Westside podcast which speaks on love, sex & relationships spanning over 360 episodes. You can reach him through his email denversonline@gmail.com

Do you have an opinion article to share with us? Reach us on info@viraltea.co.ke 

Barbie the movie is a comic movie, that is comfortable with making fun of itself, its makers, its sponsors and its audience.

It is a plot with silly and goofy jokes that are enjoyable if taken in good grace. However, the discourse that followed its July 21 premiere came in different shades, from simple tweets to lengthy think pieces to prime-time discussions on TV- showing something about the jokes did not go down well with some people, or that the satire cut so deep, it rattled many.

I think the second reason is much more plausible, and I prefer to make it the centre of this piece.

Art is not made by neutral beings, neither are its consumers and so it would not be false to accuse both sets of people as harbouring an agenda. But even with the reality of these politicized times, it is worth pointing out that satire is the glass that makes the mirror that shows us our true selves. 

Ken and Barbie, played by Ryan Gosling and Margot Robbie respectively. /FILE

A Plot Of Two Worlds- Barbie Land & The Real World

The plot for me is not the most important thing in the movie, it is the various powerful scenes that I will point out in a minute.

The movie starts in Barbie Land, where we meet Barbie (played by Margot Robbie) and her friends, and she faces a malfunction. Therefore she decides to go to the real world to find the girl who plays with her because her emotional downturn is affecting her.

She gets to the real world with her Ken (Ryan Gosling) who hid in her car, to be shocked by the culture of patriarchy that they find in the real world which is the opposite of the order in Barbie Land where women run everything and men are in the underclass.

While Barbie is saddened by this, Ken becomes alive realizing he has inherent power as a man, he goes on a mission to try and find a job because he thinks being a man(and having a horse) is enough, but realizes he needs qualifications to work in some sectors. However, he goes back to Barbie Land to institute the patriarchy.

Barbie on the hand connects with the girl she saw in her visions to try and cheer her only to learn that she has not only located the wrong person but that Barbie dolls are not liked as well as she thought.

Soon, she discovers the emotionally distressed human is the girl's mother played by America Ferrera and they take a trip to Barbie Land to cheer her up, only to find the Kens have instituted a patriarchy.

With the help of Gloria (the character played by America Ferrera) and her daughter, Barbie goes on a mission to return to Barbie Land under the stewardship of the Barbies, and away from the Kens.

The scene that represents a turning point and one of the most powerful in the movie (if not the most)- is when Gloria goes on a rant about how the expectations of womanhood are not only hard but often inconsistent," you have to be nice or are you are difficult. Not too nice though or you are naive" goes on the rant in listing these contradictions.

This rant makes the Barbies that were under a trance placed on them by the Kens snap out of it. Barbie in this scene then utters a statement about the cognitive dissonance that is required to make sense of living under oppressive systems.

After the Barbies take over, Gloria's daughter asks what is Barbie's ending- another meta-joke, as the writers acknowledge the audience is asking itself that question. The answer is given by the character Ruth Mattel, who says Barbie has no ending and explains to the doll that she is an idea and ideas live forever over many human lifespans.

This scene is also another powerful moment as Barbie is made to understand what it is to be a human, it means eventual death first and foremost, but also suffering and existential anguish before that. Despite this, Barbie still chooses to be human, saying she doesn't just want to be an idea.

Lessons From The Punchlines & Satire

Going into Barbie (2023), every watcher knew two things to be true- that Barbie was made by an outspoken woman (Writer & Director Greta Gerwig) and that the picture is an advert strategy by the makers of the doll, Mattel.

Never at one point was the movie pretentious about these two things, the writing owned them, even crafting some punchlines in reference to them. Indeed, the style of comedy in the film is self-referential and very meta-modern, in a way that reminded me of Family Guy or Rick & Morty jokes.

Promo poster for the Barbie movie. /FILE

For example in one instance, a narrator voices out the fact that the directors' decision to cast Margot Robbie sabotages their intended message about women not being pressured to feel beautiful. This type of humour allows them to keep their credibility, abandoning a veil of 'pure intentions' that the audience would see right through, and call them out on.

The movie was made as an investment and merch campaign based on existing Intellectual Property (IP) to boost sales, and this is not brushed aside either. A couple of outfits are advertised in the middle of the scenes, as the characters casually mention them.

When I mean advertised, I mean for the couple of minutes these outfits are being talked about the graphics on the screen resemble those of a proper commercial advertisement. This works because the movie, having made fun of itself puts everyone at ease so that this absurdity feels like an extension of the comic.

The film also uses self-referencing to further the plot when it voices the questions that the audience is always asking. For example, as mentioned in the section above, a character asks the double-entendre question "What is the ending for Barbie?"

Now let's get into the satire, Barbie Land is that it is not an equitable society. Although the characters rail about the patriarchy, most of them are living in a system that actively oppresses men.

Even when the Barbies take power back, they still relegate the Kens to second-class citizens, only conceding one seat in the local council. This ending for the Kens, forces feminists to question whether their goal is really equality or subjugation of men.

Conversely, it also forces men to confront how it would feel to be denied a meaningful seat at the table   

The other instance of satire occurs when Ken encounters patriarchy for the first time and is immediately enamoured by it. He makes the mistake of linking the correlation between most men having powerful jobs as the sole causality.

This common cognitive bias is made fun of by his saying patriarchy is about men and horses, as that is what he has observed. He however finds out the hard way, when he goes to apply for a series of high-level jobs in fields like medicine and finance, thinking that he will get them, just by virtue of being a man- after all that is what he saw.

The point of that scene is to let the audience question whether the patriarchy works for all men in a blanket sort of way. The real corporate world requires competence, especially the visible, high-paying jobs that are usually quoted in these types of debates.

Conclusion

Is Barbie woke? No, not at all, that is lazy reading in my view. The punchlines are aimed at feminists and chauvinists alike, and the satire deeply buries harsh truths about the relationships between men and women, when you look beneath the pink veneer that covers it.

Satire is a stylistic device that is eminent, its esoterism elevating it above the banal and those seeking commonality. Those with a wiser understanding are able to see the joke, those without miss out, unfortunately.

Barbie the movie is too layered to dismiss as a movie about dolls for girls, a movie about feminism for women, or a movie about horses for men. Rather, it is a movie about selling merch to be bought by everyone executed in a funny way, with an ethos of not compromising on the quality and dedication to pink.

It is also about stepping away from our doll-like perceptions and embracing the messiness of being actual human beings.

Mesh Mwandishi is a young writer based in Nairobi Kenya. He has a keen interest in pop culture analysis and started by doing reviews on Kenyan music. He has since extended into film and other media as well. You can follow him on the handle @meshmwandishi on all social media platforms.

Do you have an opinion article to share with us? Reach us on info@viraltea.co.ke 

Margot Robbie posing for a photo while playing the character Barbie in the Barbie movie. /VOGUE

A lady who went by the name Jacky Oh! (wife to celebrity DC Young Fly) had passed away after travelling to Miami for a “mommy make-over” surgery. This death was a shock to many African Americans and soon ignited a discussion on Twitter on the exponential proliferation of female enhancement surgeries, commonly thrown under the abbreviation BBL. 

About a week later, a clip circulated on Twitter which featured Nicki Minaj speaking on how her time as a young protégé under Lil Wayne influenced her decision to go under the knife during an interview with the Joe Budden Podcast.

She attributed it to the fact that ‘Wayne’ would come to the studio with a girl every time and would make jokes about women and big butts. The women Lil Wayne would bring would also have big butts as well which in turn made her feel incomplete, pushing her to get plastic surgery done.

Nicki Minaj posing for a past photo with Lil Wayne. /EW.COM

Where Body Positivity Movement All Started

The body positivity is believed to have sprung in the 2010s yet its true origins date back to the 1960s when it was called fat acceptance.

The term ‘Body Positive’ came into life in 1996 when a psychotherapist and an individual who had been through treatment for an eating disorder founded the website thebodypositive.org. The site sought to assist those struggling to lose weight by taking their focus off of it, according to verywellmind.com 

What we have today is more of a modern resurgence in the matter rather than a new existence. This began in 2012 challenging the premise of unrealistic feminine beauty standards.

This new wave ended up encompassing women as a whole over time, running by the line ‘All bodies are beautiful’. This movement was aimed at giving the women and girls of today a sense of confidence for they believed that they were uniquely beautiful, despite their perceived flaws and social image issues.

It was a way to tell each woman/girl that they were beautiful, regardless of how they looked.

Where Are We Today? 

This recent version of the body positivity movement in the light of social media has flourished beyond most people’s imaginations, with many larger-bodied individuals falling under that umbrella, becoming influencers (fatfluencers) and speaking for their large counterparts as well as those who believe they are expected to look a certain way.

The unfortunate reality is that while they speak under the umbrella of all bodies being beautiful, many thrive on the dislike for smaller, skinny women and now rampant fetishization of fat and large women. 

With celebrities like Lizzo championing the movement, there has been a widespread disdain for calling fat people fat and using words that are considered ‘less hurtful’ such as big-boned and plus size among others.

This has in turn, pushed the envelope on what’s considered too much and, on the flip side, made smaller, skinnier women self-conscious due to their lack of size in specific regions of the body, namely the tatas (breasts) and bunda (buttocks). 

This change is mostly due to the change in Western beauty standards (more so American) whereby the definition of beauty is a slim waist, big breasts and a large behind.

I theorize that this took hold with the proliferation of Hip-hop in the late 2000s, which was characterized by the increase in the number of African American women with large (sometimes enhanced) features that were synonymous with strip clubs in the more African-American-populated areas. 

A Blended Social Standard

Even those with moderately sized bodies have been affected negatively. In the age of knowing the destructive capabilities of social standards, more women are speaking on the effects of the ‘Instagram body’ which is an example of the same but taken to near extremes for some.

The rise of cosmetic procedures which would include lip fillers, breast enlargement, tummy tucks and the infamous Brazilian butt lift (BBL) didn’t help the situation but rather worsened it.

This new desirable image that became the norm online depressed many. This had led many to body-altering procedures, with many of them unsafe, and others catastrophic.

The age where women were supposed to see the beauty in themselves and each other is the same age where mothers feel the need to get tummy tucks, gastric procedures and liposuction so as to get them back to their original look.

The look that wasn’t changed by a process so monumentally special that their ability to look as they do after should be inherently negligible. And this is all existent in the era of body positivity. 

Fat Renamed, Standards Reframed 

Amongst some of the working class of today, there are a silent many that are opting for cosmetic procedures to help rid themselves of the ‘excess body’ that doesn’t give them the look they desire (or assume others desire). Many of them are celebrities, influencers and even politicians.

As the icons that many young people look up to, their bodies and their unchanged shapes are the goals of many, most of whom cannot achieve the same naturally within whatever period they claim they sized down to.

Many have gone under the knife but speak of amazing diets and gym workouts/trainers that range from okay to borderline garbage. Their body positivity has led them to the extremes to get the body they’d positively agree to have. 

On the flip side, we have another class of body positivity: Those that let themselves go. They were called fat/unhealthy before, and as a result, chose to embrace it wholly.

They call those who speak about going to the gym and/or working on their bodies for self-improvement stuck-up, insensitive and fat-phobic.

They believe that their conditions are a result of nature and trying to change that isn’t their problem, so they should be accepted as is. Saying differently is fat-phobic and insensitive to their current life situation. 

Did It Work?

In a day and time where calling someone fat is insensitive, we have more women with body dysmorphia because someone spoke about their size or worse still, didn’t say anything about it (rejection).

In a time when it’s supposedly okay to be fat (there I’ve said it), there are more women lining up for cosmetic procedures ranging from additive (breast and butt enlargement, fillers) to subtractive (tummy tucks, gastric bypass and liposuction) and even combos of the two (lipo + BBL).

We live in a time where body size is a sensitive discussion issue yet we’re more affected by it than ever, pushing the extremes of medicine and reshaping the English language to suit it. So in short, did the body positivity movement work? 

Conclusion

With a lot tabled and critiqued, I’d argue yes and no.

Yes, because there are more women that aren’t trying to make themselves skinny by any means necessary. They have a better appreciation for their bodies and have a support system in case the appreciation wanes.

No, because they chose not to make positive improvements to their bodies but ask society to not judge them for their negative choices. Body positivity, in that case, was a success and a failure in its own right.

Maybe the idea should’ve been an appreciation with a sense of self-improvement, or maybe we shouldn’t have been asked to just simply stop using the word ‘fat’.

Either way, there are consequences for being alive in our time as a woman. Some can run, others just run their mouth. 

Denver B is a TV personality on the show Men’s Conference and a podcaster on the Break Time on Westside podcast which speaks on love, sex & relationships spanning over 360 episodes. You can reach him through his email denversonline@gmail.com

Do you have an opinion article to share with us? Reach us on info@viraltea.co.ke 

A group of people in a gym. /LINKEDIN

As I’m trying to do some online fact-finding, I stumbled upon an interesting article which was titled Kenyan Man Lists 7 Things Women Must Demand from Man Before Agreeing to Date that Prove He's Responsible. You can read that here.

As a Kenyan man, I’m interested. Kenyan men haven’t been considered (by our women on social media) to be the crème of the crop and we’ve been compared with our West African brethren, mostly with us being considered the lesser equivalent. So I had to see if this ‘advice’ was worth it. 

What I read was about as appealing as a glass of water on a rainy day, but I made an episode discussing its contents here.

Listen below:

But for context, here’s what the contents were:

A Checklist for Women

The article was drawn from a TikTok video which had a man speak of how men have dropped the ball in terms of our responsibility to our families.

This means that women now need to be more critical of the men they were dating/courting. Women today need to have their potential suitors present some things (to be listed below) to ensure they have a chance with the women themselves.

These things are supposed to show that the man is responsible enough to settle down with. The requirements are:

1. A certificate of good conduct from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) 
2. Diploma/Degree certificate from a reputable college/university
3. Title Deed 
4. One-year bank statement 
5. Pay slip 
6. Appointment letter/contract
7. Proof of renting/owning the property he resides 

With a list this extensive, there surely can’t be any issues, right?

What You Can Get For Less

Before I go off on its usefulness (or lack thereof), the first thing I noticed was that you could apply for a bank loan with about half the things here.

Whilst a lot of us can argue on its need, let’s get one thing clear; after you get the loan, it won’t stop you from having a good time with the boys, and neither will it have a problem with you sleeping with another woman. But that part was mostly a joke. 

The last place I needed a good conduct certificate was when I was starting my job. The last time I was required to present a bank statement and/or title deed was during a declaration of wealth for an audit.

What tells you (or anyone for that matter) that any guy with means would be willing to show a random stranger such information simply because they’re hot? Do you even need post-nut clarity to see this as a bad idea?

Worth it's Salt?

We also need to debate what all these things show.

The certificate of good conduct only shows that you’ve got no criminal record, which a lot of ‘criminals’ have. The degree/diploma carries very little besides a higher education and some level of qualification and teachability. 

A title deed, bank statement and pay slip only show how much you own and earn, things you’re not supposed to ask a man. It’s the equivalent of asking for a breakdown of a woman’s weight with body fat percentages, as well as sexual partners (probably add their reviews for good measure haha).  

Then we have the proof of renting/owning the house you live in. This can show responsibility, but I’d argue the setup and organization inside would hold more weight.

Is It Even Useful? 

By now you’ve seen how useful any of these requirements are in showing responsibility. It gets funnier if you decide to remove the degree and see how much better it gets.

A recent statistic revealed that the majority of real estate owners in Kenya didn’t have a degree. So you’re effectively reducing the dating pool by ridding the larger owners of real estate by asking for a degree. 

Most drug lords and money launderers are free and have never seen prison, and none of these requirements proves that the man won’t walk out on you and your child(ren) for another woman.

So, if he’s got all of the above but is a narcissist and/or has no ‘member discipline’ let alone EQ, then would you still consider him of good quality? Wouldn’t something as simple as dependability or consistency be more crucial than someone’s bank statement?

How does any of this show real responsibility? Does any of this substantiate the claim that men have dropped the ball in familial responsibility? Does it even fix anything?

Conclusion

The majority of the ‘advice’ of male partner selection today has inclined itself heavily on finances and wealth that it fails to highlight key attributes such as good communication, a sense of vision, dependability and courtesy, among others. 

It’s become a game of speaking towards the desires and interests of young impressionable women, all to garner their approval. This proves itself in this article, speaking on responsibility yet centring on assets and acquiring them before marriage.

So maybe next time you’re looking for a checklist for man to live up to, you’ll look for things that are not only good but practical too!

Denver B is a TV personality on the show Men’s Conference and a podcaster on the Break Time on Westside podcast which speaks on love, sex & relationships spanning over 360 episodes. You can reach him through his email denversonline@gmail.com

Do you have an opinion article to share with us? Reach us on info@viraltea.co.ke 

A couple posing for a photo. /CAPITAL LIFESTYLE

Let’s start this off with a question: Is chivalry dead?

It’s a chilled weekend and I’m on my phone scrolling social media when I stumble upon a video. The woman looked pretty, so as is the case with any straight man, I clicked. What followed was something that seemed very mundane to me and very annoying to most men. 

The woman was giving a story of how some guys came over to her (and her friend’s, they’re roommates) place and upon noticing her TV on the floor, proceeded to make fun of her.

She then after having them over called a guy she knew who came with tools and wall-mounted her TV for her. He didn’t ask for anything but only got water and some snacks.

She used this story to describe how real men will do things for you (like the ‘repair’ guy did) without expecting anything in return. She complained of how other men will always want something in return, which was bad. 

While her story and beliefs weren’t all bad, they did bring out a small itch I needed to scratch: this idea of ‘real men’ and how people use it poorly.

I managed to do so here but it went further than that. I noticed something interesting as I thought about the phrase a lot more. 

Listen to it below:

The Concept of ‘Real Men’ 

Every so often, someone online will talk about how real men do one thing or another. The idea of being a ‘real man’ has been taken to mean something odd over the years.

The concept of real men has been made to look like the current model of masculinity, which is mostly founded on a mixture of traditional roles and things that suit women. This idea has made it such that it’s usually the women who end up using the term, mostly to shame men for not doing/being something that benefits said woman.

About 90 per cent of people who use the term are women when speaking of a man they’d like to have (for purposes of having things done for them) or they’d expect to want in the future.

Five per cent of the other users are simps and the remaining five per cent use the term to speak on something they’re capable of which they believe most men should be capable of e.g. providing fully, pedestalizing women, being a stepfather etc. 

This term in retrospect, seeks to please some ideal that is held by some, and I don’t like that. I’m not a fan of pleasing strangers for fake pleasure points. But what I did realize after a bit of thought into this is how the idea of real men bore the same actions that were held by a less often used term; chivalry.

Except for financial muscle and capability, everything attached to the 'real men' moniker spoke towards the old idea of chivalry. 

Where Does The Ideal of Chivalry Come From?

While real men are an ideal borne recently, chivalry dates back to medieval times as a code of conduct for those who joined the knighthood. It spoke of bravery and service to others, before being adopted amongst the general public.

This meant that some aspects were stripped off for good measure and what was left related to service to others, mostly women. As such, it became a must-have trait for men. The code itself was good and was an aspiring ideal, but its realities were a lot different.

The knights that were supposedly governed by this code of conduct were mostly anything but chivalrous. They were the same people who while speaking of code, pillaged villages and harassed prisoners of war.

Their code spoke of an ideal to live by but the ideal itself didn’t have much life amongst its followers. Brutal, aggressive and often mannerless were the terms by many to describe knights under most social circumstances.

So if the people this code was meant for barely followed it, who are we to try the same?

Is it Beneficial to us men? (Or even useful) 

The question of its usefulness or even life today is a matter of debate for most men on an internal level almost every day. The question of whether to be of service to the girl you like yet it put you deeper into the friend zone is a tricky one, but many men are drawn into it regularly.

The knowledge that another man will do less and get more is a baffling thought for us, but it’s the truth we must be comfortable with as men. This truth has been the one to dictate whether we want to do a task and whether we’re doing it for the right reasons, whatever they may be. 

If you were to ask some, they would say that we should do it because it is good to do so. But if you interrogate that mentality for a minute, you realize that the good you speak of involves being a doormat.

A man during an argument with a woman. /FILE

Also, if you’re going to help a beautiful woman you’re crushing on with some painstaking tasks, are you doing it because it’s good, because she wanted you to help (she could be taking advantage of you) or because you just like her and wish she’d let you have more of her? 

So Who Killed Chivalry?

Someone once asked me the first question I started with. Is chivalry dead? 

While I can’t remember my answer at that time, I thought it through later and came to an interesting conclusion: Chivalry didn’t die, it just changed clothes. But if indeed it did die, it’s the women who killed it.

Men in days past were chivalrous because they were good, but it was mostly because they wanted a good woman.

Being chivalrous increased their reputation amongst their social circles, increasing public approval. This was important if you were young, single and looking to marry, as it would increase the approval of getting a fine dame you fancied. This isn’t the same situation today. 

Men today know that they don’t need to do this to get the girl. The advent of the pill and the isolation of sex from marriage did give women a lot of newfound freedom, but it also made it such that men didn’t have to do as much to get sex.

Today, that has taken a wilder outlook since you don’t need to take a girl to dinner to sleep with them. The men that choose to do good to the girl with the hope of getting ‘some’ are out of luck today as their tactics are obvious to the women and they take advantage of this strategy. 

Those with less care and even lesser manners are having the time of their lives with the same women, as they are the current pick by many. So if they’re winning without being chivalrous, why do it?

Conclusion

When women speak of chivalry dying, they speak of the traditional treatment based on an ideal not followed by its creators.

But chivalry itself didn’t die. It isn’t the same chivalry you heard of either, but it’s not dead. It simply changed looks to live with the times.

It swapped the oversized three-piece suit for the t-shirt and sweatpants. It saw that it didn’t require the suit to be seen, and wore the sweatpants instead because the print is what women today like to see.

Denver B is a TV personality on the show Men’s Conference and a podcaster on the Break Time on Westside podcast which speaks on love, sex & relationships spanning over 360 episodes. You can reach him through his email denversonline@gmail.com

Do you have an opinion article to share with us? Reach us on info@viraltea.co.ke 

A man holds the door open for a woman. /YOUTUBE.YELLOW PAGES

It always allows us to question certain situations based on the circumstances so that we can understand and reflect on how we’d do things differently. It’s a tricky situation but I guess that’s why I like it so much. 

The parts that I don’t like are the ones where people treat every situation like it’s the same or there’s a one-stop solution for most of their problems. That’s what I normally try to avoid and debunk most of the time.

This issue has become a little more rampant for all the wrong reasons. Usually attached to some course or some program, some characters online have seen the market for simple relationship solutions and have sought to profit by selling BS ‘tips and tricks’ which usually include basic information. 

One such character did so and as is expected, I had to debunk the statements said. I did all that here if you’d like to listen but I’ll debunk it here as well.

The Case

So I stumbled onto a post from an Instagram page specializing in “mature relationship quotes” and promising to “Unlock the mysterious world of men”. It was a post that said: 

I’ve seen men leave 5-10 year relationships, turn around and get married to a woman he’s known for 6 months. He does all the things his ex begged him to do. Word of advice, stop preaching to these men, they hear you. He’s not going to ever be the man you want him to be because you’re not the woman he wants to be with. People change for who they want, period!

Of course, it’s true, right? Would someone give bad advice knowing that it’s bad? 

The Breakdown

Well, yes. Both those questions have the same answer. This is ironic considering that the answer(s) to the situation given above are anything but the same.

And guess what, it’s a lot less about the person as it is their behaviour. But what gives me the credibility to refute such ‘advice’? 

A man during an argument with a woman. /FILE

Maybe just the fact that I’m a man and I have a pretty good idea of how many men think. If he’s been with you for over five years, there are very few things that can make him leave and do a complete 180 and marry someone else after just six months. So let’s break that down: 

It’s Got Nothing To Do With Looks 

If you think that it’s because of your looks then you’re probably right. If he’s been with you for over five years, your looks are probably the least of his considerations.

He’d have to have been very comfortable in that relationship that his desires for other women were put on the back burner until he woke up one day and decided to chase looks again.

You’d have to drastically increase/decrease in weight and looks for him to decide to leave. Most men are very comfortable with a woman gaining a few pounds and would still love them regardless. 

The Desire for Change

The concept of change is thrown around quite a bit, and even in the statement, it’s been linked to changing for the person.

The issue is that most people look at the change in a relationship from the wrong angle. There’s a belief that a person will change for an individual, which is wrong.

Most people change for themselves or to become an ideal that gets them towards a desired goal. Women will mostly change for relationship(s) and men will mostly change for circumstances.

The idea of ‘moulding your partner’ has also been passed around quite a bit and it’s particularly common to hear such in men’s groups. This has given a lot of men the false hope that they can change a woman they’re infatuated with into their ideal woman.

This leads many to attempt this throughout a relationship where they may try to make their partner act/behave a certain way (to his liking) even though that goes against who the woman is. 

This leads to short bursts of successful changes before reverting to ‘factory settings’, which creates a cycle that can engulf the relationship. Give this time and you can very easily waste months (years even) trying to turn a whore into a housewife (a bit extreme but you get the point).

So maybe what’s needed is the man seeing everything he wants in someone else to force him to leave and move on. 

It's About The What

Most times when such a situation happens, it’s usually because of what the woman has done/not done that influences the man’s desire to leave and move on so quickly. These actions/inactions will be very specific and must have been mentioned by him at some point.

This usually stems from a desire to settle down and/or marry, which cannot be done without an inner comfort with the behaviours of the person you’ll be settling down with. 

It can be something as simple and mundane as housework and hygiene to something as largely conflicted as getting married or choosing to have children. Those can change the course of the relationship, especially if the man wishes to do so within a particular timeline.

The most common ones I’ve heard are the marriage decision and the 'having children' decision.

Men have left people they loved for years in favour of having children with someone. It could be anything like being attached to an inheritance package they’re to receive or because of a white picket fence ideal that they’re after.

The point is, they’re not getting what they need from you so they’ll get it from elsewhere. 

It's Not As Common As You Think 

Although, contrary to what some people think, these situations are particularly rare in today’s day and age for one simple reason: Time carries a greater weight than most think.

If you’re with your man for multiple years, this threat is a lot less imminent than you’d think. If he’s been with you all through, he probably sees the idea of looking for something better as too much work with too much risk. 

Conclusion

So the long and short of it is that there’s less to worry about in such and it’s a lot less to do with the superficial than it is the deeper issues/desires.

This is why you won’t hear people leaving long-term situations because of looks or sub-par sex. Because if you’ve been with your partner that long, then either you’re comfortable with the sex (subpar or not) or it just doesn’t bother you that much. 

So maybe you shouldn’t be listening to some things said, whether they appeal to you or not. Either way, there’s a bunch of bad advice that needs to be extinguished, and someone needs to get the ball rolling.

Denver B is a TV personality on the show Men’s Conference and a podcaster on the Break Time on Westside podcast which speaks on love, sex & relationships spanning over 360 episodes. You can reach him through his email denversonline@gmail.com

Do you have an opinion article to share with us? Reach us on info@viraltea.co.ke 

While in today's fast-paced environment news like this becomes old very quickly, the novelty of his story has been so controversial that it may end up being a part of history for days to come. The short of it is the ex-wife expected half of his wealth but will instead be splitting hers in half as 80 per cent of his wealth is under his mother's name thus putting the court system in his favour.

The men were all up calling his move legendary due to his ability to beat and turn a system notorious for hurting men towards his side, hurting his spouse in the process. Some women were up in arms, claiming the move unfair and spectating that the wife wasn't even after the money.

One woman did something different though. She decided to speak on how such a scenario can be avoided using a prenuptial agreement (or prenup) and outlined some steps and why they're relevant. 

I happened to discuss this earlier and figured there's no reason not to share her insights here as well.

Listen below:

What was said

She starts off by mentioning the Hakimi divorce and voices how she feels some type of way regarding his moving of assets to the mother's name but opts to discuss it later.

She then moves to give women tips on how to avoid such a scenario. She gives the following pointers:

Get a prenup

This should be done even if you (the woman) don't have a massive asset portfolio. This is due to its mandate requiring both parties to declare their wealth in the initial stage.

This will not only include the assets they have but also include where they're located and whose name they're in. If Hakimi's wife did this, she'd know there's nothing to his name. 

Have a Provision Giving a Payout For Being a Housewife 

This is done due to the sacrifice made in favour of staying home to raise the children instead of remaining in the workforce, getting promoted and/or making (more) money.

This is because society and/or your love for your family will pressure you to do so thus you need a payout since going back to the same job will be hard due to the gap in your CV.

Have a Payout for Every Child You Bear 

This may not be seen as necessary because it's not such a big deal but there is a mental, physical and emotional toll taken on your body which will change you forever.

Also, in the event of separation/divorce, you will be treated differently once you go back into the dating market since you're a single mother as opposed to the rich, divorced single father your spouse is. As it won't impact him but impacts you, you should be compensated for it. 

Advocating for Prenups

To be honest, I was laughing while hearing all this. I never in my wildest dreams thought I'd hear a woman advising other women to go for a prenup, but here we are.

This made me happy, not because of what was being said but rather the fact that women were suddenly seeing what it's like for a lot of men today.

For the first time in a while, the tables were turned (publicly) and the loss was given to the woman. The men were rejoicing and woke women were scrambling for straws to come out on top.

This prenup idea was a response to the current scenario but I figured there may still be issues with it, so I figured I'd question a few things. 

Declaration of Wealth?

The reality of assets owned being declared sounds like a nightmare for most men, even though most of us don't own much to hide in the first place. It is akin to telling your date how much you earn, both gross and net.

However, I wonder if anything is prohibiting the transfer of assets after the fact or simply declaring the assets under your own, but not joint family assets or assets owned by another party that you have access to.

Paid for Nothing 

The second part was the part I took issue with more than any other. The idea that I'm to pay my partner for staying home to take care of the kids seemed a bit weird to me.

Firstly, we're both sacrificing for the sake of the children. Yet she'll be loved more for her sacrifice later on whilst I may be ignored/looked down upon as the parent that was rarely around. 

Secondly, why is her external/internal pressure any of my problems?

The option to quit and become a housewife (unless I forced her to do it) is entirely hers and thus should be her burden to bear, not mine. So why incur consequences for her choices?

Single Mum Insurance 

The third step is probably the most contentious one in my opinion. The idea of a payout in the event of childbirth is something that's been done with/without a prenup by many people.

The idea of a 'push gift' has been something many modern-day women hope for in their partner, which embodies the same principle. That's the part I agree with.

The issue I had was the idea of returning to the dating market as a single mum. Firstly, why should that be my problem?

I'm not trying to be heartless here but her value to me ends once we're no longer together, so why care beyond that? But most importantly, how exactly does the money help her?

Being a single mother in the dating market is tough but having a lot of money added on top does nothing but make you a rich single mother. Having a booty or a curvy body does more for you in such a situation.

Conclusion

It's probably too late to say that I didn't agree with much of what she said. I really do believe in prenups, but not to such a degree that it seems almost predatory to one party over another.

I believe in the prenup from a sense of concern. It's rooted in the realization that people are more individualistic today than ever before, and many people are willing to gain wealth at the expense of another and an important bond.

So in short, get a prenup if you can, just be weary of the clauses and see if it works for you. Also, consult a lawyer that will have your individual interests at heart.

Denver B is a TV personality on the show Men’s Conference and a podcaster on the Break Time on Westside podcast which speaks on love, sex & relationships spanning over 360 episodes. You can reach him through his email denversonline@gmail.com

Do you have an opinion article to share with us? Reach us on info@viraltea.co.ke 

This is why I’ve seen a lot of posts on why men should avoid marriage and why it’s such a bad idea today, particularly for men. 

But while I ignore most of it, I was surprised to find something worth debating. I was randomly scrolling through IG when I stumbled onto a post by Spiritual Word which read: "Less divorce would happen if divorce didn’t rip everything away from men. True or False?"

I loved this question so much that I ended up discussing it here because we’ve been forced to not only think about how bad divorce is for men but also get to question the possibilities if the losses are reduced.

Listen to it below:

But before we start hypothesizing, let’s see what we currently know about divorce:

Divorce Stats

First off, let me give a disclaimer: Most of the statistics given are from the US. This means that the accuracy of the information may vary in terms of your region/location. 

According to early statistics, about 40-50 per cent of marriages ended in divorce, with the chances increasing every time a person remarried (although marriages stand a greater chance of survival today as per recent stats). 

Women dominate the initiation of divorces in both the US and the UK at roughly 70 per cent with 50 per cent of all divorces being attributed to money (this has recently gone down to 22 per cent).

These statistics paint a grim picture for every man looking at marriage and the ever-elusive happily ever after. From there, you link the ever-falling numbers of suitable mates into the mix and the hope for marriage without divorce seems more like a pipe dream than reality. 

So now we ask the question: what if it didn’t look so bleak? What if the possibility of heavy losses for men from divorce were reduced significantly? 

What it would look like 

I decided to contemplate such a reality and honestly, I believe it would likely increase the chances of marriage, as the reduction of losses from the man’s side would reduce the perceived challenges young men would have that would deter them from committing to the bond.

Some would argue about whether women would affect the rate of marriage, but I’d argue that since men carry the keys to the relationship, it’s the men that carry the greater decision-making power in relation to entering a marriage. 

Vindictive women would find less satisfaction in divorce as the thought of “Taking him for all his money” will be a thing of the past for many due to the lowered losses from divorces. This may make some relationships last longer although in thinking again, such women’s husbands may very well be the ones initiating the divorces, albeit for a different reason- being tired of their partner.

Some women will still take the option of divorce (of course) as a weapon against their partner, akin to a double-edged sword due to the desire to see their partner fall. This can also affect the man in other ways due to the reputational damage.

The increased freedom for men opens the possibility for more men to initiate divorce due to unhappiness. This would work well for the typical runner who instead ‘getting the milk’ may instead opt for the ending of the relationship as a more permanent means.

The cases of secret families and/or polygamy could reduce as there would be no need for secrecy. But, are you seeing a can of worms being opened here?

It's worse.

Evidentially, the reduction of losses incurred for men during divorce would probably do the opposite of its intended purpose, as the rate of divorce would probably stay the same if not get worse.

For many, due to the low numbers of men initiating a divorce, this idea seemed to be a good solution as it could reduce the number of women who initiate divorce, especially those who divorce intending to gain from the man or wreck his life. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. 

The rise of re-marriage would occur due to the lowered risks of divorce, because if it’s so easy to get out, why not go in and out at will? Think of it like a tall, barbed-wire fence; if it’s lowered, even children will jump in and out testing out their high jump skills for fun. 

Divorces initiated by women may decrease by a bit, but divorces initiated by men would increase. If there’s less risk for the same, the option will almost always be taken.

It’s already easy enough to get married, so if you make it easier to get divorced, what stops people from breaking the knot just as fast?

Conclusion 

The truth of it is that the benefits of such a reality don’t particularly hold more water than its detriments.

The barriers of entry and exit are what help people determine whether to get into any commitment, be it business or personal. Once you lower both, expect a lot of players both in and out. 

After pondering this, I concluded that the best solution is not to decrease the losses faced but rather to increase the losses faced by the woman.

This would either reduce the number of women getting into commitments for anything besides long-term reasons and would also force more people to be increasingly selective in their options of life partners as the consequences would be direr.

Point is, the solutions sought are two-sided and require a more careful approach to not achieve the same result, just on the opposite end. It’s a lot like weight loss; you can cut out junk food and replace it with healthier options but if you’re not observant of the amounts consumed, you’ll still end up with the same result.

Argue all you want but I’ve never seen a Panda eat a burger yet it’s still fat.

Denver B is a TV personality on the show Men’s Conference and a podcaster on the Break Time on Westside podcast which speaks on love, sex & relationships spanning over 360 episodes. You can reach him through his email denversonline@gmail.com

Do you have an opinion article to share with us? Reach us on info@viraltea.co.ke 

His thoughts spoke of the way women say this and often will choose the exact opposite from the ‘nice guy’ persona, which he is. And the older man was brutal with his criticisms; so much so that I ended up discussing it. 

From saying that the young man felt entitled to women/sex by saying such to stating that his frustrations and role-playing were part of “incel behaviour” because their nice-guy approach wasn’t reciprocated with affection and/or sex, this older man tore into this young, frustrated man in a way I haven’t seen in a while.

Listen to the audio here:

And while I may have my reservations about speaking on what men should do in the face of female rejection, I didn’t like the kind of criticism here.

It was almost as if the man had never struggled in his approach to the fairer sex or he had forgotten the struggles it comes with. Also, why of all things refer to his behaviour as that of an incel?

What is an Incel? 

Okay, first let’s understand what the term means for the sake of context and understanding: The term incel is short for involuntary celibate.

The term is given to an online clique of men (and in rare cases, women) who are unable to find sexual or dating partners and thus by involuntary means, cannot copulate.

They do not have partners out of choice, but rather out of circumstance. They are perceived to be angry, reserved and sometimes hostile to sexually active ‘normal’ people.

But is this what he was or is there something more here? 

Dating Today is Frustrating 

Dating can be a challenging and confusing experience for anyone, but it can be especially difficult for young men who are still trying to figure out the nuances of relationships and attraction.

In today's world, where social media and hookup culture reign supreme, it can be hard to know what women want and how to approach them in a way that is respectful and effective. This can lead to frustration, confusion, and even mislabeling as an incel, which can be detrimental to a young man's self-esteem and mental health. 

What some women (and a few men) may see as an incel here, I see someone who is frustrated with the dating market today, as is the case with a lot of us today.

One of the main sources of confusion for young men is the gap between what women say they want and what they actually want.

Many women will say that they want a man who is kind, respectful, and treats them well, but then seem to go for guys who are more aloof, confident, and even arrogant. This can leave young men feeling like they are doing everything "right" but still not getting the results they want.

Drawing of a man who is angry after seeing a couple together. /WIKIMEDIA

Their listening to the market demands and responding only to face rejection is also frustrating. It’s like they’ve known that 1+1=2 yet in this case 1+1 doesn’t equal the same thing as the rules of this game are very different.

This can lead to frustration, confusion, and even mislabeling as an incel, which can be detrimental to a young man's self-esteem

Approaching Made Different 

While this reality is true for a lot of young men, it’s not as hopeless as some may see it.

Some men learn this over time and as such can impart the same knowledge to the uninitiated. This should even things out for most young men except for one thing: Not all advice is good advice. 

Since success with approaching women will vary based on physiological qualities as well as personal biases, the advice given can sometimes cause more harm than good.

An extrovert with broad knowledge and interest in trending topics can have greater success with advice such as “Just be yourself” but the introvert with an interest in gaming and astrophysics will suck with such advice. This makes it hard for any uneducated young man trying to work their way into approaching women with success. 

Fortunately, there are pick-up artists that give solid advice on approaching women that tends to cut across most biases. However, their advice has been termed by some as manipulative which can make them seem a type of way and thus harder to follow.

Although, while following their advice may be debatable on whether to follow or not, there seems to be one piece of advice that has worked for most men without fail. 

Become Better 

The idea of constant improvement has been touted as the best advice you can give a man in his hopes of attracting a fine dame over time. While general, it relates to what makes many people stand out and seem more attractive even before/without approaching. 

It’s a simple combination of self-improvement that is always used to hammer this point home. It requires acceptance of dissatisfaction with the person you are now in favour of the person you can be in the future, and working towards making that future a reality.

From there, you focus on four key areas: Physical, mental, social and financial. If you can leverage your strengths and combine the improvement of the four factors (no matter how small), your attractiveness will elevate regularly. 

Conclusion 

In many words, what I’ve been trying to say is that the young man isn’t an incel. If he is, he’s simply there due to frustration from the dating market.

It’s something that many of both genders face on a day-to-day basis, so why ostracize some and leave others? Yes, some may be unable to get a partner, but in most cases, it isn’t terminal. 

In conclusion, dating can be a confusing and frustrating experience for young men, but it doesn't have to be. By recognizing the complexities of attraction and relationships and constantly trying to improve, you’re more than halfway past your goal of being with a potential mate.

So while some may be further than others, a little bit of leeway and advice in the right direction will go a very long way. 

Denver B is a TV personality on the show Men’s Conference and a podcaster on the Break Time on Westside podcast which speaks on love, sex & relationships spanning over 360 episodes. You can reach him through his email denversonline@gmail.com

Do you have an opinion article to share with us? Reach us on info@viraltea.co.ke 

Image of a woman rejecting a man. /THE MAN EFFECT

Of course, as is the unsurprising reaction of the public on reading this, people went off in the comments section. I being a speaker against cyberbullying, went into the comments to get entertained by what was being said.

But on reading the first few, I closed the app and sought to continue my day, seeing the clout chase in the post and electing not to be a participant in it. 

We’ve seen and heard similar statements made on live TV, radio, social media and podcasts. They’re not new. The idea of a woman online wanting a high-earning, high-status individual is all too common today and that shock and awe tactic is overused, to say the least.

A man during an argument with a woman. /FILE

The unfortunate reality is that whilst some of us may understand that what is being said may not reflect what is felt by the horse, others believe that if it has come from the horse’s mouth, it represents the beliefs of all horses.

Horse or not, this has affected people and their relationships, or lack thereof. So much so that I ended up making a two-part episode set addressing the same.

Listen to both of them below:

An Old Ideal 

The days when a woman would be asked about their potentially desirable partner’s main qualities and would keep it simple are almost forgotten.

The days of tall, dark and handsome are being left to the books and the simplest a woman has told me her ideal man’s qualities are were the earlier three, plus financially stable. The list of requirements is growing, and mandatory. 

The idea of compromise has become synonymous with ‘settling for less’ a term used to describe below bare minimum and possibly abusive partners, to which no woman today will give a chance.

Ever since women were told online that they should see themselves as beautiful and that they’re all 10s, the desire for the top tier of men has been pushed as a must, if not deserved. So, if that’s the case, what happens to the average Joes? 

Hypergamy on Steroids 

If you’re a young man today, I bet you’ve probably heard the statement ‘Women are hypergamous’ about as much as you’ve heard someone speak of getting what you want through manifesting.

‘The man’s role is to provide’ has become a leaning point for a lot of talkers on relationship topics and your favourite content creators have told you that if you don’t make money, you don’t make sense. This is further hammered in by the women’s remarks. 

From questions on who gets to pay on the first date, to what a man should be doing for his woman as a show of love, to being told that their woman always deserves ‘baby girl’ treatment, young men are being reduced to workers whose only role is to find satisfaction in the women they lust over.

By being able to afford their desires, match up camera-happy standards and still do so while remaining faithful, they may be able to secure their woman. This is understandable, except that the standards required are not within arms’ reach for most young men until they’re in their mid-thirties or forties and by then, where will the standards have gotten? 

There’s been an ever-increasing standard that’s been set online for men to live up to as a ‘modern show of love’ which has forced me to wonder: Could this idea of hypergamy have been taken a little too seriously? 

A Quality Argument? 

“If guy X got his girlfriend of 3 months a bouquet wrapped in money, what’s stopping you from giving your girlfriend of 2 years the same?” 

I’ve heard this before and it’s never been taken as seriously in the social setting, or so we think. 

People have been dumped for not being/doing enough for another person and as such, feelings of inadequacy plague young men trying to date.

Their pockets aren’t as fat, their disposable income isn’t for two (even one is arguable sometimes) and the girls their age that they like don’t seem to care about them since they’re punching at a weight class that can only be satiated by their more fortunate, well-to-do counterparts. So why attempt to get into the dating market as a young man? 

While we ask this question, a new question arises from the dick-swinging side of the table: If they ask for more than their mothers did, do they give more than what their mothers gave? 

A new expectations argument is set, pitting the past against the present while the women’s argument pits the present against a dream. The stories of women who cooked and cleaned for their boyfriends are served around before someone questions what the women of today offer instead and it becomes a funny discussion.

Talks of sending fare before she comes, lying down waiting for first-class hospitality, and giving nothing more than the opportunity to get your rocks off are awash and the young men conclude that the quality of women found in today’s dating market is nothing like the mothers that gave birth to them. 

The Disconnect Between the Times

While such discussions go on, a realization has come to mind; we live in very different times. Of course, there are more social platforms and we even have dedicated dating sites/apps but it’s more than that.

We came from a world where people viewed relationships as a giving enterprise and were thrown into a world where people view relationships from a receiving POV. 

People in the 80s, 90s and even 2000s went into relationships armed with a desire for good companionship first and a better life for both moving forward before looking at the niceties and what the cost of an engagement ring should be. Young people today are trying to get into relationships with a desire to receive good treatment as opposed to some of the predecessors and former patrons of the market. 

They want lavish treatment without having felt that they have worked for it, they want to have a deep connection after a few deep strokes and want constant unconditional affection yet the relationships that have stood beyond the era of Motorola and Nokia’s domination speak less on that than anything. This has given the impression that there are little to no good mates and the market is chock full of garbage, and maybe by some criteria, it is. 

Conclusion

There’s an argument to be made for treating a woman you love/care about like a princess (metaphorically speaking).

No man wants their significant other to suffer, and neither do they want to rob them or lack the ability to give them the finer things in life. There’s also an argument about giving to receive in a relationship, and that holds water too. 

I can’t call people’s desires bad and yet I have my own, but I also can’t say that some are the most sustainable or the most realistic for the environment they’re in. So we must ask if the problem lies in the people or maybe we also look for the wrong things in each other today.

As the Psychologist, Adam Lane Smith states,” People today use the wrong strategies trying to secure the right mate.” If we don’t discuss these expectations of ours very soon, a lot of us are going to look back twenty years from now and be angry because we messed up two or more generations of people.

Denver B is a TV personality on the show Men’s Conference and a podcaster on the Break Time on Westside podcast which speaks on love, sex & relationships spanning over 360 episodes. You can reach him through his email denversonline@gmail.com

Do you have an opinion article to share with us? Reach us on info@viraltea.co.ke 

My Friday episodes of the podcast involve me making Tweets made by random people about the subject matter of the podcast. This particular time was one of the rare occasions when I stick to one tweet and use the replies, as it was a collection of unpopular opinions on relationships. 

I already had my 3 for the episode but one more caught my eye, and upon reading it, decided it warranted its own episode. It didn’t trigger any emotions as do many other tweets, although it did trigger my thought process for a bit. Here’s the Tweet: 

most people end up with people they settled for because they didn’t do the work to be with the kind of person they actually want to be with https://t.co/CgizbeFhhU

— GURU J (@GURUJAHRA) March 16, 2023

Initial Thoughts

My very first thought as I read the tweet was that it was written by a woman.

I was 100% sure of it, even before I checked on the bio (which I did later on and confirmed it was indeed a woman). The thought seemed so clear yet the nature of what was being said is something that men usually say to each other. 

Listen to the episode below:

The idea of self-improvement to get a mate has always been a predominantly male mindset as the concept of self-improvement has mostly leaned on building physical muscles, financial muscles and social muscles.

It’s been every now-confident man’s hero journey; a movement from where they seemed unseen/unnoticed, from being passed up on the opportunity of being with a beautiful crush to the point of being able to speak to any woman and have multiple women be interested in pursuing a relationship with you or at the very least, copulating.

But even then, to succinctly read a tweet and conclude that it was a woman’s writing was a bit odd. So why? 

An Options Game?

The thought that if one improved themselves then it would lead to better results in terms of partners indicated that there were already options, albeit low-quality. This is unlike men as they speak about having options first before speaking of the quality.

This is because most men rarely get approached by women, let alone get their attention.

So you’d have to be a serious catch to speak on the quality of options since most men just want a chance or two with a woman, regardless of quality. But no, this wasn’t what drew me toward my fast conclusion. 

Settling Down or Settling For Less? 

Not to drag this on forever, I’ll say it: The concept of settling here seemed to indicate that the person was settling down at one point and then showed that they were settling for less after going on further. Men only know how to settle down.

Most millennial women speak of settling for less, and their idea of settling for less tends to equate to their idea of settling down quite often. And I can prove this by example: 

If a man was to explain the concept of settling down to a woman, it would very easily be taken as going for the bare minimum. The idea that you decided to have a long-term relationship with a woman you know isn’t the most beautiful or the smartest, isn’t the best cook of the best in the sheets may seem like you’ve settled for a lower quality partner in some women’s eyes, as their partner must see them as the best they’ve got. 

Men on the other hand view it very differently. We understand that she may not be the best at a lot of things but she’s pretty good at most things.

She can be a 7 with a nice bum, cooks well, has an adventurous mindset, be respectful and does not cause trouble 99 per cent of the time, and maybe like biting the pillow thrice a week and she’ll be considered a keeper (I’ve probably described some guy’s perfect woman actually).

You can even take the adventurous mindset out of this equation, and she’ll still be considered a solid catch. Even drop her looks to a 6 and it still flies as good enough.

Make her cooking skills moderate and we’re still good. Take that to the other gender and see them dispose of the partner from the looks perspective if he’s under 5 ft 7 inches (if not 9).  

Glass Half Full vs Glass Half Empty

Settling down for men has always been the final move before marriage.

It’s an acceptance that you’ve gotten the best (or the best option at the time) and you’re ousting yourself from the dating market completely as you try to build something with your current partner. So it’s an idea that always carried a positive connotation as it marked a progression of life. 

The concept of settling with women today is told with a less optimistic outlook.

Married and previously married mothers, both young and old, opened up about their challenges in matrimony. From the constant pains felt from spousal treatment to the hurting experienced by unsupportive, uncooperative and loveless spouses, the concept of settling from a woman’s view, especially after hearing their older counterparts open up, seems like a tunnel, with the light at the end turned off. 

So Is There a Difference?

Actually, there is. You’d have to read the fine print, but both concepts are quite different. Both concepts speak towards getting off the dating market to be with someone, but that’s where the similarities end. 

Settling down takes the best of what’s there and tries to make the best of what it's got. It is armed with the knowledge that perfection doesn’t exist, but a close representation of that is with you, and worth betting on.

Settling for less knows that the partner is terrible in some way, and has red flags which may be glaring but don’t diminish the spirit that chooses to stay. Eventually, over time, the red flag represents a normal reality that was once frowned upon but has now been assimilated into their daily lifestyle.  

Conclusion 

The reality is that both sides look at settling differently. For the liberal woman, settling isn’t an idea they’d hold dear as they’ve been shown the unhappy ‘glass half-empty' side to it.

For the young man who was lucky enough to get one woman, he’s willing to bet on, he sees settling as his chance to have a solid nuclear family, so his is a glass half-full.

To the mature and experienced folk, the glass is fully visible. While the pros and cons are weighed, the important thing is the water, and the person is thirsty so the glass isn’t worth thinking about. 

Denver B is a TV personality on the show Men’s Conference and a podcaster on the Break Time on Westside podcast which speaks on love, sex & relationships spanning over 360 episodes. You can reach him through his email denversonline@gmail.com

Do you have an opinion article to share with us? Reach us on info@viraltea.co.ke 

The reasons given for the result of this study which originated from the Pew Research Center were cited by ‘experts’ as pornography and social media which meant that men were ‘having a lot of their needs met’ and as such didn’t desire to go out looking for dates from young impressionable single women. 

Hearing about the stats wasn’t too surprising, but the reasons given did hit a spot for me, owing to the fact that I fell under that category in nearly every way (save for the fact that I’m a Kenyan man in Kenya). It hit so close to the chest that I ended up making an episode on it.

Listen below:

Because for some, this part of the world doesn’t face the same problems but for others, the problems in the west are always imminent for us. So are the statistics true?

Something Else? 

The honest answer is yes, but not here (Kenya). The statistics on Kenyan men and their singlehood is still up in the air but I wouldn’t be surprised if it wasn’t far off. However, the reasons given were debatable.

As a young single man who interacts with other young single men, it seemed like a bit of a reach thinking that porn was that widely consumed. Then I remembered that Kenyans’ most searched sites mostly include porn and gambling. 

So maybe porn could be a culprit, but is that the only or even the main thing?

I decided to ask that question and as a part of the statistic, took down some points as to what the case for a lot of us young men could be. I chose to be as impartial as possible and took the question to both genders and what the reasons may shock you.

Why Aren’t Men Up for it?

I decided to start by pointing the finger back at the men and put the blame on our shoulders to cite reasons why we’re not approaching or dating women anymore.

The reality of the situation is that most men under 30 today aren’t choosing to date because they can’t/won’t be able to date (right now) or the women they’d want to date aren’t worth dating.

The first dose of reality that hit me was that men nowadays just don’t approach women any more. In an age of social media and group activities being the norm, it seemed rare that any of my female friends would have some guy coming to start a conversation with them out of the blue.

I can also say that it’s been years (now that I think of it) since I randomly walked up to a woman and tried to spark some inkling of a conversation. While there are reasons for that, I needed to start by accepting that before I asked why. 

Then I remembered how many times people were referred to as creeps/weird online and in person, as well as when the woman drugged and robbed the man and I stopped wondering why I haven’t approached in a while. From office workplace romances being frowned upon to the #MenAreTrash movement making men weary of cold approaching women, there’s not much room for a guy today to be confident that approaching a woman in a public setting won’t be taken with a livid response.

Reinforcing that in a world where it’s easier to survive as a murderer than as a supposed sex offender, it just doesn’t seem like a good idea to approach a woman in public today. 

Are Women Also To Blame?

But while the blame was sent the men’s way, the women didn’t make approaching them any easier either.

A steady string of growing expectations from the fairer sex in their 20s has made the idea of dating a beautiful young woman today seem harder than ever for most men.

The economy hasn’t spared most of us youth and the with the cost of dining increasing, the concept of dating just doesn’t seem as feasible for most men…at least not as frequently as some may think. This makes it harder to match the standard of a good place to take her on a date as the Bambinos and the INTIs of the world seem ever more elusive to the average Nairobi man living paycheck to paycheck and nursing a loan on the side. 

These expectations make it harder for a lot of young men to not only date but commit to, with many opting to avoid the potential heartbreak that might ensue should they miss a payday once and end up in the financial red.

Most young men are one late paycheck away from financial disaster and the burden of accommodating another soul on that paycheck makes it even harder. This comes as the man’s role as a potential provider becomes ever-emphasized as the babes want ‘baby girl’ treatment and have been told not to settle for less. But what do we (men) get from all that? 

When we dive below that top layer of demands lies a new problem: value earned versus value given. Not to make a comparison but what our fathers got in the name of girlfriends leaves a lot to desire in our current crop.

While some of our mothers abstained till marriage, they more than made up for it by demonstrating their immaculate cooking, organization and hygiene skills.

If we told them what their daughters do instead, some would be mortified. From camping and leaving a more disorganized mess to simply screwing and napping, what we receive today is nothing short of below the bare minimum.

We may have the sex that some of our fathers lacked, but we don’t get much else besides that. So if that’s all that we’re getting yet we’re giving more to be with them, then why bother trying to commit or even going out to date in the first place?

Conclusion

Okay, maybe when I said I’d be impartial I wasn’t entirely honest.

When I embarked on the journey to answer this question, I did it knowing that the outcomes may be subjective or may seem just plain hateful. The truth of it is that it comes from a place of concern, listening and observation. 

The truth behind why we (men) aren’t dating anymore can be summed up with one word: Confidence. The confidence to approach women is probably the easiest target of this, yet beyond that paper-thin wall, we find something totally different.

Young men today aren’t dating because they aren’t confident that they CAN find a good match for commitment. And even if they are, they’re not confident that they WILL, given that the crop of women they’ve encountered doesn’t seem sustainable let alone dateable.

Denver B is a TV personality on the show Men’s Conference and a podcaster on the Break Time on Westside podcast which speaks on love, sex & relationships spanning over 360 episodes. You can reach him through his email denversonline@gmail.com

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This was said as I was addressing the main topic of discussion, which you can listen to here.

To summarize, a lady had written to the newspaper asking for advice regarding retaining a boyfriend. She mentioned having been in multiple relationships with great guys but hadn't had anything serious/long-term with any. 

While the statement was used as an explainer for the case-at-hand, the reality as it relates to dating, in general, today and the current mating crisis that exists. 

Is Dating Becoming Harder?

There's a growing body of research that shows that more people are refraining from the idea of dating for multiple reasons. For women, many state the lack of a good mate while many men state a gap between what women want and what men can provide. 

This has pushed the idea of dating further away from people who would've otherwise been with a partner and (possibly) with children would they have dated during our parents' time. 

So in light of us being the most connected society today, having dating apps and singles events, why does it feel harder to get a mate than ever before?

Quality of Men Today 

To quote Samuel L. Jackson's character Shaft from the movie of the same name "Men used to be men..." The idea of what man is/was supposed to be has been an evolving thing for years and what made the man in terms of character in the 60s has evolved.

Today the idea, having been moulded by mainstream media and other agents, has created a caricature that either appeals to the fantasy & desires of women or a sexualized, muscular, high-earning 'Chad' that is the 'complete' image for a lot of men. 

This created a conflicted idea for a lot of boys and young men on what the man is supposed to be, where their experiences and environment have eventually shaped what they become based on primary requirements and personal benefit. While such doesn't look like much, the results have highlighted a quality of men that isn't what their fathers and grandfathers envisioned a good young man would be in the future. 

Whether you agree with my previous statement or not, a lot of women have suffered as a result. From men they have deemed weak, uninteresting, too nice or too rude, the list of good, kind, well-mannered, monogamous and confident men has been an ever-decreasing cohort of men that match this description.

This has led many women to settle for less than ideally desired partners or bow out of the dating market almost completely with the occasional dip in once they see something they like for a quick second. Some would say that the remedy to this issue is that standards need to be adjusted but we'd need to know what standards we'd need to adjust before making any overhauls that can set us back centuries.

The Desires of Women 

"If you were to ask a woman today what they'd want their dream guy to be today, you'd end up with about 3-4 different men." 

That was a quote I read about 1-2 years back which made me question the reality of the claim. So I asked some women what they'd want in their version of a dream man, and I found it hard to refute the claims.

The idea of the dream man to a lot of women's desires is almost a contradicting image of an 'every man'. This man is a King in the streets, a beast in the sheets, a caregiver in the living room and the object of desire to other women. He must be wanted by others but not want any other besides his woman. 

Succinctly, this man is unattainable by realistic standards. Thus, as is human nature, women will go for the closest representation of those desires based on their priorities. 

Those priorities, which have become superficial as social media has taken a stronghold, have made them more unattainable to average men and have caused resentment toward the idea of going for women who voice such expectations as realistic for most. 

Intersexual & Intrasexual Competition 

The rise of woke feminism and the red pill community has created a new social situation where men and women are not only competing against their fellow sex but also against each other.

This has pushed women to encourage other women to scale up higher, have more sexual partners and embrace their beauty with a sense of perfection without a case for self-improvement, which reduces their mate choices dramatically. The #MeToo movement didn't make things any better either, making workplace romances a scary idea that should be avoided by many. 

The red pill movement with reinforcement from uneducated, traumatized content creators using bro-science has told men that women only want them for their money and power.

They've told them that they are not worthy of a woman's love unless they're high-performing muscular men. And even then, the women want to take advantage of them, thus they must be careful. So, what's the point of dating?

The Fix: Adjust the Product or Adjust the Market?

As a rule, let's not forget, "Women hold the keys to sex, men hold the keys to the relationship" and as such the men are the ones we need to pay attention to now.

The generation of men during the Boomer stage and Gen X came up at a time when you almost certainly needed to get into a relationship to get sex. Thus they had to be marketable enough that they'd be considered potential mates.

The dating market then made the relationship easier to acquire than the sex, which isn't the case now. So maybe for once, we need to ask if the women should be the ones making themselves marketable enough as potential mates, even if the men may be caricatures of different desires.

Eventually, at some point, we'll have to cut out the noise and allow ourselves to think. Think not for your pleasure and short-term goal/comfort but for your future.

We are social creatures and we can act like we don't want each other for long but at some point, something will have to give. We will either have to change how we look at dating or how we select our partners. 

Either way, there's a mating crisis at hand, and we're ill-equipped to handle it right now.

Denver B is a TV personality on the show Men’s Conference and a podcaster on the Break Time on Westside podcast which speaks on love, sex & relationships spanning over 360 episodes. You can reach him through his email denversonline@gmail.com

Do you have an opinion article to share with us? Reach us on info@viraltea.co.ke 

The internet can be a powerful tool for women to connect, share ideas, and build communities, but it can also be a breeding ground for harassment and abuse.

That's why this year's International Women's Day theme of "Embrace Equity" is so important. It reminds us that creating a more inclusive and equitable society means ensuring that women have a safe and supportive environment to express themselves online.

Portraits of Soila Mayiani. /VIRALTEAKE

Unfortunately, women often face harassment and abuse online simply for daring to express their opinions or take up space in a male-dominated digital world. This can have a chilling effect on their ability to participate fully in online communities and can even drive them away from social media altogether.

As digital community managers, it's our responsibility to create and maintain online spaces that are welcoming, inclusive, and safe for all.

Sexual harassment is a significant problem for women in the digital world in Kenya. According to a 2019 report by Plan International, 60 per cent of girls in Kenya have experienced some form of sexual harassment online.

The report also found that girls between the ages of 15 and 19 were particularly vulnerable to online sexual harassment, with 54 per cent reporting that they had received sexual comments or messages online.

Furthermore, a 2020 survey conducted by Women at Web found that 42 per cent of women in Kenya have experienced cyber harassment, which includes cyberstalking, online abuse, and unwanted sexual advances.

The study also revealed that women in Kenya often face barriers in reporting online harassment, with only 9 per cnet of respondents reporting the harassment they experienced to the police.

These statistics demonstrate the urgent need for safe online spaces for women in Kenya to thrive. Women should not have to fear for their safety or well-being when they use the internet.

As digital community managers, we have a responsibility to create and maintain safe and inclusive online communities where everyone, regardless of their gender, can participate freely and without fear of harassment or abuse.

To do this, we need to be proactive in addressing harassment and abuse. This means setting clear community guidelines and enforcing them consistently.

It means taking reports of harassment seriously and responding promptly and compassionately. It also means creating a culture of respect and empathy within our communities, where differences of opinion are celebrated rather than attacked.

But creating safe online spaces for women is about more than just preventing harassment and abuse. It's also about empowering women to share their unique gifts and talents with the world.

When women feel supported and respected online, they are more likely to share their ideas, build meaningful connections, and contribute to the digital world in meaningful ways.

This International Women's Day, let's commit to creating safe and inclusive online spaces for women to thrive. Let's embrace equity by recognizing and celebrating the unique gifts and talents that women bring to the table. And let's work together to build a more equitable and just digital world for all.

Soila Mayiani (Sossi May) is the Assistant Digital Lead at Trace Eastern Africa

Do you have an opinion article to share with us? Reach us on info@viraltea.co.ke 

A screenshot regarding infographics on harassment online amongst girls. /PLAN INTERNATIONAL

Stop me if you’ve heard this before: Instead of cheating, why not just get into an open relationship? 

Unsurprisingly, in a world where liberal sexual and relationship practices are becoming somewhat common, the adventurous millennial and the growing Gen Z have heard the concept mentioned at least a few times amongst peers and idols alike. 

Talk of the open relationship has started becoming more common as the widespread talk and near normalization of cheating has become incredibly apparent among the current youth. Whilst such talk would be considered taboo in some relationships/situationships, its tolerance in open spaces of communication on social topics has given it room to breathe.

That said, it still hasn’t received its full understanding as it has been perceived to be a relationship where it’s okay to cheat yet the reality couldn’t be further from the truth.

Women walking together in a city. /COSMOPOLITAN

To explain why let’s start by giving a deep dive into the idea of the open relationship.

What is an open relationship? 

An open relationship (OR in short) is a mutual commitment between two individuals which goes against the grain of monogamy through the adoption of a non-monogamous lifestyle.

It creates a situation where the partners get to unburden themselves from being bound to one person, thus allowing their needs and wants to be fulfilled by another partner consensually. The most common of them is the sexually open relationship, so I’ll focus on that today.

Whereas the idea of sexual promiscuity is allowed in the OR, its allowance requires a well-concocted mixture of both trust, rules and boundaries between the committed individuals to allow the relationship to exist and thrive. The breaking of this special mixture can spell the end of the relationship as the connective tissue between the individuals is broken.

To ensure its health, this ‘tissue’ must be maintained through an incredible level of transparency, a phenomenon that has very recently become a scarcity for many relationships today. 

The idea of trust has been a mainstay for relationships for hundreds & thousands of years past, but the idea of the open relationship takes the idea of trust to a whole new level. Trust is created and enforced through the creation of rules (both general and specific) which ensure that the bond is maintained and that monogamy remains, albeit non-traditional. 

The Idea of Boundaries 

The concept of boundaries in traditional and monogamous relationships isn’t anything new and thus doesn’t remain a thought for most when getting into a commitment with the opposite sex. This is due to them being tied to the question of should/would a committed person do this. 

The Yes/No answer your moral code would give you would almost surely determine whether the action would be deemed inappropriate and if the continued practice would be termed as cheating.

For example, letting a man hold a committed woman by the backside would be deemed inappropriate by most, thus would imply that continued action would deem the woman to be cheating as she is exposing her more intimate access to another man.

This idea of access being synonymous with the boundaries of commitment makes the idea of monogamy simple and understandable. That changes with open relationships. 

With an open relationship, there’s a slight disconnect between the two as more physical access to the committed partners is given, which requires that a different set of boundaries are set to ensure that lines aren’t crossed.

This ensures that it remains a committed couple’s affair, not just two people professing love to each other while moaning other people’s names. This is contrary to many people’s idea that people in open relationships don’t/can’t cheat. 

The boundaries/rules in open relationships will vary from person to person but drive towards the same goal; ensuring sexual variety for both people whilst still being able to come back to each other for intimacy and emotional support.

While there are more specific rules between some couples such as no kissing and/or use of protection there are some rules that are more widely adopted as part of an OR. I’ll look at two of them:

Open Transparency 

As was said earlier, the idea of an open relationship is built on trust and thus requires a high degree of trust. This means that transparency is key in most OR partnerships.

While some will seek approval on potential partners, others may select sex partners based on the deliberations done with their committed partner. 

The details of the entire experience may not be necessary, but some may be open to listening about it while others may even have the desire to watch the whole thing happen (the voyeurism fetish).

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith at a basketball game. /GETTY IMAGES

The sexual partner must be made known to the committed partner in some way, but physical interaction is not necessary. The entire idea is simply that there are no secret affairs between the two committed partners. 

Partner Repetition 

While the idea of having multiple sexual partners sounds great to some and even necessary to others, the concept of repetition with the same person, especially over short periods or even consistently, is frowned upon by many OR practitioners.

This is mostly due to the attempted avoidance to develop some sort of attachment/pair bond with the sexual partner. Once such develops due to continued sexual contact, this can lead to dishonesty and reduced transparency between the couple.

This can also spring up feelings of jealousy and create/enhance insecurities that can cause the end of the relationship. 

Why It Seems Like A Good Idea 

The thought of non-monogamy has been a dream for some, and maybe reading this will encourage them to chase it as a reality. The pros are there and are mostly easy to see. If it’s sex with multiple partners you want, then it’s a plus for you.

You don’t get to worry about whether having a lustful interest in someone else will jeopardize the relationship and there’s an acceptance of your desire for sexual variety. 

The more unseen benefit of OR is the increased trust and transparency between partners. This, while debatable by some, could indicate a better and healthier relationship than most monogamous relationships. The additional reinforcement of trust can boost open communication between the couple, making their bond stronger. 

All these mean that the OR may be one of the most ideal relationship types for a lot of people, so why isn’t it as common?

Why It’s Not 

While the idea of an OR has been seen as the best option for the sexually adventurous, there exist cons that many who advise the cheater to indulge may be unaware of. The detachment of boundaries and the idea of commitment is fun until it isn’t, and there are clear issues present. 

The first and clearest issue lies in what OR partnerships are built on, which is trust. While you can argue that the minimal trust levels are due to the lack of openness in the relationship, there’s more to cheating to disprove this.

According to a study by evolutionary psychologist David M. Buss, 70 per cent of the women who cheated on their partner reported falling in love with the person they cheated with. While the numbers on this are lower with men, the fact remains that a lot of people do fall in love with their sex partners, meaning that an OR could eventually still lead to the same case(s) of dishonesty and infidelity. 

The most obvious con of all amongst cheaters is the one that most who consider the option of OR and turn it down consider; the fact that their partner will sleep with others besides them. There’s a joke on exes about how ‘when it slipped out, she put it back in’ that sometimes can hurt a lot of men.

Now imagine the same men subjected to that reality in the present with multiple other men, all with your knowledge. Sounds like a nightmare, huh? 

Conclusion 

The long and short of it is that the OR is an option for the liberal and adventurous but only containable to those who can maintain transparency. They’d also have to not mind being mutually okay with the idea that their partner is being sexually active with someone else besides them. 

That said, I don’t think most people today are built for it. The thought of it may seem good in concept but in practice isn’t for the faint of heart. Most simply don’t trust each other to the degree that would make OR viable for them. 

Also, they can barely keep things in check with one partner. Do you really think they’d be able to handle themselves with more people in the mix? 

Denver B is a TV personality on the show Men’s Conference and a podcaster on the Break Time on Westside podcast which speaks on love, sex & relationships spanning over 360 episodes. You can reach him through his email denversonline@gmail.com

Do you have an opinion article to share with us? Reach us on info@viraltea.co.ke 

A man and woman sharing a kiss. /MEN'S HEALTH

On January 28, 2023, the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) announced that it would recall all press cards issued to media practitioners across the country and issue new ones with new security features in an effort to limit the influx of men and women masquerading as journalists.

The move while commendable put the work of bloggers, vloggers, and citizen journalists in limbo. Additionally, it is a move that will likely have far-reaching consequences on the growth rate of the Kenyan economy in decades to come.

The Constitution of Kenya 2010 stipulates that “Everyone has the right of access to any information held by the state; and any information that is held by another person and that is required for the exercise or protection of any rights.”

An image of the current press cards which will be phased out for new ones. /TWITTER.MEDIA COUNCIL OF KENYA

Further articulating the importance of timely and accurate information streams to enable the public to make informed choices. Most of this information is found in social media platforms as well as the internet blogosphere space and is regularly made available through the work of these individuals.

One of the core functions of the media apart from entertainment and reporting on new information is education, and the media is also listed as a core socialization agency by various sociologists.

Improvements in inventions and innovations in the Information and Communications sectors and the resultant proliferation of citizen journalists, bloggers and vloggers across the country is an important milestone for our country which should not be rolled back with unsound government policy.

The flow of knowledge arguably presents opportunities for Africa’s economic development. As acclaimed in the book The Great Convergence by Richard Baldwin “knowledge flows consisting of data, information searches, communications, transactions and video that dominate the new globalization.”

The global flow of knowledge he continues to argue; "gives lagging countries a chance to catch up through investments in information and communications technologies creating forward and backward benefits in manufacturing and agricultural sectors of the economy.”

This ICT-led globalization and associated knowledge flows are undermining the competitive advantage that industrialised countries once had and changing the outlook of the global value chains.

This also provides developing countries with a window of opportunity for countries in Africa and Asia to leapfrog in the achievement of their development objectives.

The cross-border flow of data and knowledge had broken the monopoly that workers in wealthy nations once had on the use of advanced industrial manufacturing intellectual property.

The MCK and the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) should therefore create policies which enable ease of operations for media practitioners and journalists to operate and not be seen as an impediment to such growth.

MCK can in turn wait to reap benefits through a media fund charged as a percentage of the annual revenues of the online media platforms when they become profitable. This will ensure a win for all media stakeholders including the public, the practitioners and the regulator.

Individuals found masquerading as journalists should be charged in our courts of law.

Clive Ayuko is the Founder and Editor of the Whistling African.

Do you have an opinion article to share with us? Reach us on info@viraltea.co.ke