But behind the laughter and friendships lies a tougher reality. For comrades, university is not just about lectures and exams, it is about survival. Each day brings new challenges, from the struggle to pay school fees and secure basic resources, to the emotional weight of loneliness and peer pressure. 

Some students are denied access to classes because they have not cleared their balances, while others wrestle with the fear of being left behind academically. The pressure to fit in often pushes comrades into risky choices, including drug abuse, while the uncertainty of life after graduation hangs over them like a sword.

The first and most pressing challenge is lack of resources. Books, laptops, and internet access are essential for modern learning, but not every comrade can afford them. Some rely on outdated materials or borrow from friends, while others spend hours queuing at the library for limited resources. The digital divide is stark, leaving many students disadvantaged in a system that increasingly demands technological skills.

The issue of school fees makes life even harder. Students who fail to clear their balances are often denied access to classes, libraries, or even exam halls. The humiliation of being sent away from campus because of unpaid fees is a painful reality for many. It is a reminder that education, though celebrated as a right, remains a privilege for those who can afford it.

Beyond financial barriers, comrades grapple with loneliness. Moving away from home into unfamiliar environments can be isolating. Hostels may be crowded, but the emotional emptiness is real. Some students struggle to form meaningful connections, and the absence of strong support systems leaves them vulnerable to depression and anxiety.

The social environment of campus brings its own pressures. Peer pressure shows up in many forms; partying, relationships, fashion, and other lifestyle choices. The desire to fit in often pushes students into risky behaviors, including drugs and substance abuses. For some, drugs become an escape from stress and hardship, but they also lead to addiction, poor academic performance, and shattered dreams.

Another silent burden is the fear of being left behind. In a competitive academic environment, students constantly compare themselves with peers. Missing classes due to financial or personal struggles creates anxiety about falling behind academically. This fear is compounded by the looming reality of unemployment. 

Even after years of sacrifice, many graduates face a job market that is saturated and unforgiving. The thought of struggling through university only to remain jobless weighs heavily on comrades’ minds.

Despite these challenges, comrades continue to push forward. They hustle, they adapt, and they support one another in ways that outsiders rarely see. Their resilience is remarkable, but it should not mask the systemic issues that make university life so difficult.

Campus life is full of challenges, but it is also full of promise. The struggles of comrades whether it is lack of resources, unpaid fees, loneliness, peer pressure, or the fear of unemployment tell the story of a generation fighting to rise above obstacles. These young people are not just students; they are future leaders, innovators, and builders of the nation. Their resilience shows that with the right support from universities, government, and society, they can turn hardship into strength. Investing in comrades today means investing in Kenya’s tomorrow, where education opens doors and hope lights the path to a brighter future.

When the rains fall, several parts of Nairobi quickly turn into rivers. Roads become impassable, public transport stalls, and businesses slow down. Areas such as Eastlands, South B, and informal settlements along riverbanks are among the hardest hit. 

For many young people who have recently moved to the city, the floods are a harsh introduction to the realities of urban living.

According to the Kenya Meteorological Department, extreme rainfall events in Kenya have become more frequent due to climate change. The situation is made worse by poor drainage systems, blocked waterways, and unplanned urban development. 

As the city continues to grow rapidly, infrastructure development has struggled to keep pace with the increasing population.

Urban planners argue that Nairobi’s flooding problem is not just about heavy rains but also about human activities. Buildings constructed on riparian land and waste dumped into drainage channels prevent water from flowing freely. During heavy rainfall, water quickly accumulates and floods residential areas and roads.

The impact is felt most by residents living in affordable housing areas, where many young professionals start their lives after university. These neighborhoods are often located in flood-prone zones because rent is relatively lower compared to other parts of the city. As a result, the same young people who come to Nairobi in search of opportunity sometimes find themselves exposed to environmental and health risks.

Flooding also disrupts economic activity. Workers arrive late or fail to report to work when roads become flooded, while small businesses suffer losses as customers stay away. For young entrepreneurs trying to establish themselves, such disruptions can be devastating.

Despite these challenges, Nairobi remains a magnet for ambitious graduates. The presence of government institutions, multinational companies, and innovation hubs continues to attract talent from across the country. The city still offers unmatched career prospects compared to many other regions.

However, experts believe urgent measures are needed to make the city safer and more resilient. The Nairobi City County Government has been urged to improve drainage systems, enforce urban planning regulations, and protect riparian land from illegal construction. Environmental experts also emphasize the need for better waste management to prevent blockage of drainage systems.

For Nairobi to maintain its reputation as the city of opportunity, addressing the issue of flooding will be critical. Without effective planning and climate adaptation strategies, the dreams that bring thousands of graduates to the capital city each year risk being washed away by the rising waters.

As the rains continue to test the city’s infrastructure, the question remains whether Nairobi can balance its promise of opportunity with the safety and resilience that its residents deserve.

Last weekend, Kevin Sigei, a second year engineering student, was stabbed to death by his girlfriend at the hostel. Reports say they had had an argument which made him assault Claire. For self defense, she ended up taking his life. Claire, a second year student, went on and committed suicide to escape guilt and had mentioned in the letter that she had let her mother down. 

Vandem, a third year student, also became a victim last year. Reports say he had managed to open doors for his girlfriend by investing in a business for the girl’s comfort. All these sacrifices were for a healthy relationship. He ended up taking his life after realizing the girl left him for a "better" person.

Having placed his life and future in the girl's hands, he could not take the pain. He tried counseling but the stress and depression made us lose him.

Is it the financial strain of maintaining relationships, the influence of peer pressure, or the desire for more than what one is given? These questions continue to emerge whenever such tragic incidents occur. In many university settings, relationships are increasingly shaped by expectations of financial support, social status and lifestyle. When these expectations are not met, frustration, jealousy and feelings of inadequacy may arise. 

For some students, the pressure to keep up with peers or to sustain a certain image within relationships can quietly build emotional tension that eventually turns destructive. Equally concerning is the emotional dependence that many students place on romantic relationships. University life is often a transitional phase where young people are still forming their identities and have coping mechanisms. When one partner becomes the centre of another’s hopes, happiness or future plans, the breakdown of that relationship can feel overwhelming. Without healthy coping strategies, rejection or conflict may quickly escalate into emotional distress, aggression or self-harm.

In response to the growing concerns over student wellbeing, the university has introduced several mental health initiatives aimed at supporting students. These include counselling services, mental health awareness programs and designated spaces where students can relax and relieve stress. An annual mental health forum also brings together professionals and students to discuss emotional wellbeing and coping strategies. These efforts represent an important step towards acknowledging that academic institutions must also safeguard the psychological health of their students.

However, the availability of these services raises an important question: do students actually seek help when they need it? Many male students, in particular, tend to suffer in silence due to societal expectations that they must appear strong and emotionally resilient. Yet depression, stress and emotional pain do not discriminate by gender. Both male and female students need safe spaces to express their struggles. It is therefore important for students to actively participate in these mental health forums, seek counselling when necessary and openly discuss the challenges they face before they escalate into irreversible tragedies.

Ultimately, the recent tragedies serve as a painful reminder that romantic relationships within universities should not become sources of fear, control or emotional destruction. Relationships are meant to provide companionship, support and growth, not pressure and suffering. When love becomes intertwined with insecurity, financial expectations or emotional dependency, it risks creating an environment where conflict escalates beyond control.

Addressing partner violence among students therefore requires a collective effort. Universities must continue strengthening counselling services and awareness programs, while students themselves must learn to cultivate healthy relationships built on communication, respect and personal independence. Friends, classmates and peers also play a crucial role in recognizing signs of emotional distress and encouraging those affected to seek professional help.

As institutions of higher learning, universities are expected to nurture not only intellectual development but also emotional maturity. Promoting conversations around mental health, conflict resolution and responsible relationships can help students navigate the complex social realities of campus life. By fostering a culture where seeking help is normalized rather than stigmatized, many of these tragic outcomes may be prevented.

For the students whose lives have been lost, their stories should not simply fade into statistics. Instead, they should serve as a call to reflection and change within the university community. If students, administrators and support systems work together to prioritize wellbeing, campuses can once again become spaces of learning, safety and hope rather than scenes of heartbreak and loss.

Across Kenya, universities and colleges produce thousands of graduates every year. While higher education continues to expand, the job market has not grown at the same pace. Youth unemployment remains one of the country’s most pressing challenges, leaving many qualified graduates searching for opportunities for months or even years after completing their studies.

For decades, education has been viewed as the most reliable pathway to success. Parents encourage their children to work hard in school with the belief that good grades and university degrees will lead to secure jobs and better living standards.

Although education remains extremely important, the modern job market has become more competitive and complex than ever before. One of the main challenges facing graduates today is the gap between what students learn in universities and what employers expect in the workplace. Many institutions emphasize theoretical knowledge, yet employers often prioritize practical skills and real-world experience. As a result, graduates may leave university with strong academic knowledge but limited exposure to the professional environment.

Employers today often look for individuals who demonstrate strong communication skills, teamwork, creativity, critical thinking, and the ability to solve problems. Digital literacy and adaptability have also become essential qualities in an increasingly technology-driven economy. Without these skills, many graduates struggle to compete in the job market.

Lack of work experience is another major barrier. Many entry-level positions require previous experience, creating a situation where graduates cannot secure employment because they lack job experience, yet they cannot gain experience because they are unable to find jobs.

This cycle leaves many young people frustrated and uncertain about their career paths. As a result, some graduates eventually pursue opportunities outside the fields they studied. Others turn to entrepreneurship, freelance work, or small businesses as alternative ways to earn a living. 

The rise of digital platforms and innovation has created new possibilities for graduates willing to explore different career paths. Despite these challenges, education continues to play a crucial role in personal development and national progress. It equips individuals with knowledge, critical thinking skills, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to the society. 

However, education systems must continue evolving to better prepare students for the realities of the modern workforce.

Strengthening internship programs, practical training, and partnerships between universities and industries could help bridge the gap between education and employment. Encouraging creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship may also empower graduates to create opportunities for themselves rather than relying entirely on formal employment.

As thousands of graduates continue entering the job market every year, addressing the disconnect between education and employment becomes increasingly important. By equipping students with both academic knowledge and practical skills, the promise that education holds for a better future can become more achievable for many young people.