Follow Us on Social Media

Why cervical cancer fight is a major health concern in Kenya

STORY By JAEL CHEPTOO

Cervical cancer is a significant health concern in Kenya. Being a low-middle-income country, it has very high incident rates affecting women. 
Cervical cancer is preventable and treatable. With time, it can be averted.|FILE

Cervical cancer is a disease linked to high-risk infections of Human papillomaviruses (HPV). This includes persistent infections causes abnormal cells to develop gradually changing the cervical DNA. Without proper treatment in the cervix (womb), it causes 95% of the cervical cancer in women. 

It takes 15-20 years for the abnormal cells to develop and become cancer leading to cancer related deaths increase in Kenya and globally. Reports shows that eight women die everyday due to cervical cancer in which Kenya has recorded high incidence of cervical cancer with an estimated 5,236 new cases and 3211 deaths annually.

This disease being a concern after the breast cancer puts elderly sexually active women at risk because skin to skin contact, oral or anal sex involving genital areas contributes to the infections. Cervical cancer is characterized with few or no symptoms but causes pain in the pelvis area, and during sexual intercourse. 

It is also characterized by discomfort in the vaginal area, irregular than usual menstrual cramps, abnormal vaginal bleeding and discharge with a foul smell. 

Other symptoms are nausea, back pain and fatigue. The risk factors concluding to the disease include weak immune systems, smoking which damages cervical cells, long term use of oral contraceptives, having multiple sexual partners and lastly having multiple full term pregnancies and giving birth at a very early age.

The low socio-economic status that makes it hard to access to health care reflects major inequities driven by lack of treatment services.

Prevention is better. Right? Different prevention strategies have been considered such as the administration of prophylactic vaccine against HPV. Screening from 25 years of age and after every 5 years is done when early detection of the disease and proper treatment cures cervical cancer.

The HPV vaccination is given at the age of 9-14 years. Treatment steps that have been introduced in Kenya include thermal ablation, cryotherapy, which basically freezing and burning of the cells to kill them completely, (LEETZ) Large Loop Excision of the transformation zone and Cone biopsy which are the major achievements in helping to combat the disease with the help of World Health Organizations (WHO).

Apart from medical treatment and diagnosis to cure cervical cancer, the Kenyan government provides necessary resources to conduct public awareness, education on the prevention and about the disease and access to HPV vaccine to also done in rural areas who can be ignorant and may have limited access to medical facilities.

Education provides information about the disease to avoid ignorance and stigmatization of cervical cancer patients. Total gratitude to the World Health Organization who have organized strategies to achieve healthy measures to prevent and treat cervical cancer.

In conclusion cervical cancer is preventable and treatable thus Kenya being a third world country with shortage of healthcare resources and facilities urges its population to consider early vaccination and early detection that will help reduce deaths of many women from this disease. The government and Kenyan population are therefore working together to deal with this situation as the governmental funds for health are set aside to fight death rates of Kenyan women. With time, cervical cancer can be averted and treated.

Jael Cheptoo is a Second Year Student at Chuka University pursuing a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication

The Impact of Cybersecurity in the Modern Age

STORY By MICHAEL KAMOTHO

In a nation where digital technology governs almost every aspect of life, cybersecurity has emerged as an important pillar as society modernizes. From protecting personal data to safeguarding national security, the role of cybersecurity has never been more significant. 
We are living in the digital era where the importance of cyber security cuts across important sectors ranging from national security to personal privacy hence the need to keep safety while interacting with others online.

One of the most important impacts of cybersecurity is on personal privacy. With an increasing number of financial transactions, social interactions, and professional communications occurring online, individuals are more vulnerable than ever to cyber threats such as identity theft, data breaches, and phishing scams. Robust cybersecurity measures help prevent these threats, ensuring that sensitive information remains protected from malicious actors.

The business world is another sector  affected by cybersecurity. Cyber attacks on corporations can lead to significant financial losses, reputational damage, and legal consequences.

High-profile breaches, such as those experienced by major banks and technology firms, underscore the importance of investing in strong cybersecurity infrastructure.Companies are now prioritizing cybersecurity to protect their assets and maintain consumer trust.

Governments and national security agencies also rely on cybersecurity to protect critical infrastructure, military operations, and classified information. Cyber warfare has become a modern battlefield. A breach in the national security systems could have  consequences, making cybersecurity a top priority for governments worldwide.

Furthermore, the rise of artificial intelligence has introduced new cybersecurity challenges. As more devices become interconnected, the potential for cyber vulnerabilities increases. Addressing these risks requires continuous innovation and vigilance.

In conclusion, cybersecurity is an indispensable component of modern life. Its impact affects personal privacy, business operations, and national security. As technology advances, so must our efforts to stay ahead of cyber threats, ensuring a safe and secure digital future for all.

The Feature Story Writer is a Second Year Student at Chuka University pursuing a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Studies

Are We Raising Generation Z to be Financially Literate?

STORY By REAGAN OMONDI

In the ever-evolving world of finance, one question that looms large is; are we preparing the next generation for the financial challenges ahead? Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012 is about to inherit the world’s economic future. But when it comes to managing money, are we doing enough to equip them with necessary tools to thrive? How often do we teach kids how to make budget, save or even invest for the future? In a world where technology moves fast and people are more worried about student loans than ever before, understanding money isn’t just useful-it’s a must.
We need to prioritize teaching our children on how to make money and invest for better returns.

Financial Literacy: A Forgotten Curriculum?

Despise how important money knowledge is, financial literacy is still missing from many schools' curriculums. Kids learn about history, science and languages, but not how much about managing money?

Usually, it’s left to parents to fill in the gaps. But here’s the problem: many parents don’t feel confident teaching their kids about finances because they never learned it themselves. Relying on social media or online tutorials can be risky because not all financial advice out there is good.National Endorsement for Financial Education (NEFE), reported that less than 25% of high school students feel they are prepared to make financial decisions after graduation. With the rise of credit card offers, peer pressure to pay the latest tech gadgets and social media’s “influencer culture,” it’s no wonder Gen Z are finding themselves financially unprepared.

The Financial World Gen Z Face

The Gen Z are growing up in a world very different from what previous generations experienced. Gone are the days of stable, life long careers with company pensions. They face an economy where many are in the gig economy, working past-time or freelance jobs and dealing with student loans. They need to be financially smart if they want to survive and thrive.

The Good News: Digital Education

They have something earlier generations didn’t –easy access to financial education. Thanks to apps like Mints, Youtube Channels, TikTok financial influencers and platforms like Robinhood, young people now have more ways to learn about money than ever before.The internet can be a gold mine of financial tips. It can also be overwhelming. 

With so much information, it’s hard to know what’s a good advice and what’s just a quick fix. That’s why it’s important to guide young people to reliable sources and teach them how to think critically about money.

Factors Contributing to Financial Illiteracy

-Lack of Education in schools: Despite a growing awareness of the need for personal finance education, many schools do not offer comprehensive courses on financial literacy. -Information Overload:The internet provides vast resources for learning about finance. However, it can also lead to confusion and misinformation. Many Gen Z individuals go to social media platforms like Tiktok and Youtube for advice but may struggle to discern sources from unreliable ones.
-Economic Challenges:The COVID-19 Pandemic has exacerbated financial stress for many in this generation. A study found that 78% of Gen Z reported being personally affected by the pandemic’s economic fallout. This has left them feeling unprepared for achieving financial independence.

Innovative Approaches to Financial Education

To effectively engage Gen Z in learning about finances, innovative approaches must be adopted. They include;
-Utilizing Technology: Digital platforms can make learning about finance more accessible and engaging for tech-savvy young people. Interactive apps that provide budgeting tools or gamified quizzes can enhance their understanding while keeping them engaged.
-Leveraging Social Media: Collaborating with trusted influencers who focus on finance can help disseminate valuable information in formats that resonate with Gen Z. Short videos explaining complex concepts like compound interest or credit scores can capture their attention.
-Tailoring Content: Financial education programs should address topics relevant to Gen Z’s unique circumstances—such as managing student loans or navigating gig economy jobs—to ensure they find value in what they learn.

The Role of Parents and Schools

Parents can set a good example by being open about money matters-teaching their kids how to budget, save and understand the value of money. Schools on the other hand need to make sure they’re teaching more than just the basics. Financial education should be part of the curriculum just like math and science.

Preparing Generation Z for the Future
As we look at the world ahead, it’s clear: financial literacy needs to be a top priority. If we want Gen Z z to succeed and feel confident about their financial future, we have to do more than just give them a credit card or a student loan. We need to make sure they understand how to make smart choices with their money how so they can secure their future.Financial literacy isn’t just about learning how to balance a chequebook or save for a rainy day- it’s about giving the next generation the power to take control of their financial future.

In conclusion, while there are significant gaps in financial literacy among Gen Z, here is hope for improvement through targeted, educational efforts involving parents, educators and innovative digital solutions. By prioritizing comprehensive personal finance education and emerging technology effectively, we can empower this generation with the knowledge they need to achieve long-term financial success.

The Feature Story Writer is a Second Year Student at Chuka University pursuing a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Studies

KONZA City: Kenya's bold step into the future of smart living

STORY By NAFTALY MURIITHI

In one of the Africa’s eagerly awaited and captivating urban development ventures, a smart city is taking root in the semi arid lands of Konza. This ambitiousness is indeed a model for African cities of tomorrow. Konza city, Kenya’s biggest infrastructural projects since independence holds the promise of redefining modern living and upon completion it should resemble an ultra modern escape for the kales of the city life.
An impression of Konza City digital hub

The purpose of Konza city is to propell Kenya’s technological evolution pioneering one of it’s kind innovation herb in Africa. It’s logo contains an acacia tree depicting savannah and the silicon with an eye on technology ( red circle). Silicon savannah is mirrored after The Silicon valley which is the headquarters of companies like Google, Fintech and even Apple this is because most IT innovations come from there whereby those companies are congregated in one area.

In planning of the city architects relied on innovative technologies that have been used and tested around the globe. For example, the lighting design and building simulation, the solar collection and building technical and electrical equipments were developed ad supplied by Korean companies. In these buildings like the Konza city complex, the architects managed to harmoniously balance innovative high-tech solution and traditional elements. The main building that is the Konza complex is made up of the office block, conference facility and a hotel so that if you come for conferencing you get accommodation services and office space.

When president William Ruto visited back in 2023, he challenged the authorities for not planting trees but from that point they did. More trees are intended to be planted especially on the wildlife corridor where 100 acres have been demarcated for wildlife. Note that it is in the wildlife corridor between Nairobi national park, the Kapiti plains and The Amboseli national park that the Kenyan government is building this flagship project.

Konza city was pitched as a futuristic smart city with very few cars, wide walk pathways and no carbon emissions. The drainage is well catered for such that rainwater will be flowing underground reducing chances of flooding. There is a system that not only cleans the sewer but it recycles it and water that comes out of it is taken back to the city for reuse. Furthermore, a modern solid waste management system consisting of huge network of pipes that are interconnected to main collection point has been put in place. It is a system where by waste is well separated into organic waste, papers, glass or metallics and plastics. Once this smart bins are full the technician will be able to monitor from the system put in place and provide for it’s evacuation to the central collection point.

In Konza city the public transport is separate from public mass transit that is buses and matatus. There is also the district roads in between different buildings. In this city unlike many other African cities you won’t be crossing anywhere anyhow, you must pass at designated places. A visitor in Konza or resident doesn’t need to buy a bike one only needs to go to bike designated points, tap the chip card get the bike and ride to your next destination so you don’t need to wait for matatus. Investors interested in providing leasing bike services will bring the bikes and be able to get some revenue out of it. Every piece of infrastructure has been designed with efficiency in mind.

In this city regular street lights are replaced by smart poles which connect to other internet big devices and provide broad band. It’s a smart pole because it is able to deploy internet connectivity whereby it has got several surveillance cameras. If you are lost you are able to communicate with command center, so the issue of asking people directions then they mislead you has been eliminated. Sensors and data analytics will be utilized to monitor traffic patterns, optimize traffic lights timings, manage energy consumption in buildings and provide real time information to residents through mobile apps. The surveillance system will operate through a network of interconnected cameras seamlessly transmitting data via underground internet cables to state of art data center. This facility designed by Chinese telecommunications powerhouse Huawei technologies power limited ensures both the camera and data storage remains fully integrated for efficient monitoring and security. At least Kenya is the first country in this Eastern Africa region to deploy IOT for smart cities, platforms and digital signage’s that will improve urban way of living.

As an innovative herb, research facilities like universities and a national data center have been modelled on global standards. KAIST ( Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology ) has been put in place but it’s still under construction. Modelled on the Korean Advanced Institute of Science and Technology this institute near completion is the cities anchor facility it will be the center for research and innovation where highly skilled engineers will be manufactured. Basically this is to improve that ecosystem whereby the morning industry, government and academia can interact. Built with a 10 billion investment from South Korean government KAIST will feature 10 cutting edge research science laboratories it will initially feature 6 key departments including mechanical, electrical and electronic, chemical, civil and agricultural engineering. All this together will provide a suitable room for incubation of ideas.

Konza is more than idea, it is a bold step into the future of urban living, it is a setting stage for how technology can bring economic growth, sustainability and innovation.

The Feature Story Writer is a Second Year Student at Chuka University pursuing a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Studies

Kenya's Political Landscape: Recent Developments and Shifts

STORY By EMMAH MERABA

Kenya's political arena has been marked by significant events and transformations in recent times. From strategic alliances to institutional reforms, these developments are shaping the nation's governance and societal dynamics.
President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga former a broad based government after Gen Z protests.

Ruto and Odinga's Strategic Alliance

In a move that underscores the pragmatic nature of Kenyan politics, President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga have initiated a strategic partnership aimed at national unity and development. This collaboration seeks to bridge longstanding political divides and foster a more cohesive approach to addressing the country's challenges. Observers note that such alliances, while not unprecedented, reflect a growing trend towards consensus-building in Kenyan politics.

Churches Reinforce Separation from Politics

The Anglican Church of Kenya, under the leadership of Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit, has taken a firm stance on maintaining the sanctity of worship spaces by barring politicians from addressing congregants during services. This directive emphasizes that while politicians are welcome to attend services, they will not be granted the platform to make speeches. The move aims to preserve the church's spiritual focus and prevent the politicization of religious gatherings.

International Relations and Appointments

Kenya continues to strengthen its diplomatic ties, as evidenced by the recent appointment of Catherine Kirumba Karemu Wahome as the High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. On March 13, 2025, she presented her Letters of Commission to His Majesty the King at Buckingham Palace, marking a significant step in bolstering Kenya-UK relations. Such appointments are pivotal in enhancing bilateral cooperation and advancing Kenya's interests on the global stage.

Public Safety and Government Accountability

A recent incident involving the death of a British national, Edgar Charles Frederick, who was struck by a vehicle in President Ruto's motorcade, has sparked public discourse on road safety and governmental responsibility. The 79-year-old tourist was hit while the motorcade was en route to a public engagement in Nairobi. The driver was arrested and later released on bail. This tragedy has led to widespread calls for a review of motorcade protocols and heightened awareness of pedestrian safety.

Kenya's Role in International Peacekeeping

The body of Kenyan police officer Samuel Tompoi Kaetuai, who was killed in Haiti while participating in a U.N.-backed mission to combat gang violence, was recently repatriated. His death underscores the risks faced by Kenyan peacekeepers abroad and highlights the nation's commitment to global peace and security efforts. The incident has prompted discussions on the adequacy of support and equipment provided to Kenyan forces in international missions.

Conclusion

Kenya's political landscape is continually evolving, influenced by both domestic initiatives and international engagements. The recent developments reflect a nation striving for unity, accountability, and a prominent role in global affairs. As these events unfold, they offer insights into the complexities and aspirations that define Kenya today.

The Feature Story Writer is a Second Year Student at Chuka University pursuing a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication
© all rights reserved
made with by Skitsoft