In Kenya today, Contraceptive pills have become the go-to solution for many young people engaging in unprotected sex, while abortion, often carried out secretly, has become an alarming escape route for unintended pregnancies. 

University students, struggling with the pressures of academic life, relationships, and economic challenges, find themselves at the centre of this trend. But what factors are driving this surge, and what are the consequences?

The emergency pills have become commonly used due to easy accessibility. 

For many Kenyan campus students, emergency contraceptive pills “morning-after pill” commonly known as P2 have become as normal as painkillers. According to Mr Brian Omollo, a pharmacist around Ndagani town, Chuka University has high demand for these pills, a clear indication of widespread unprotected sexual activity. The ease of access, lack of parental supervision, and inadequate sex education contribute to this growing dependency. However, medical experts warn that frequent use of these pills may have long-term reproductive health risks, including hormonal imbalances and menstrual irregularities.

Increased cases of unsafe abortions

Despite the legal and social stigma surrounding abortion in Kenya, cases continue to rise, particularly among university students. Many young women, fearing parental disappointment, academic failure, or financial struggles, opt for secret abortions, often performed by unqualified individuals in unsafe environments. According to health reports, complications from unsafe abortions are a major cause of maternal mortality among young women. To avoid such incidents young women, opt to take the emergency pills.

Several factors contribute to this growing problem, including:

1.Lack of proper Sex Education – Many young people have little knowledge about reproductive health, leading to risky behaviors.

2.Peer Pressure and Social Media Influence – The normalization of casual sex, fueled by peer pressure and exposure to pornographic content online, encourages risky behavior.

3.Economic Challenges – Some students engage in prostitution to sustain their lifestyle, increasing their risk of unintended pregnancies.

4.Stigma and Fear – The stigma around early motherhood and parenthood outside marriage encourages one to practice silent abortion rather than facing the reality. 

Effects accompanied by abortion and usage of contraceptive pills

Unsafe abortion, usually occurs when abortion is conducted -professionals, in most cases in places where ethical standards are adhered to access abortion

-Psychological and emotion torture, the feeling of guilt, sadness and anxiety are experienced.

In addition, abortion can cause physical injuries. It can lead to heavy bleeding and loss of blood.

Pills have short term effects such as nausea, fatigue, headache, dizziness and irregular bleeding.

Long term effects of using pills includes hormonal imbalance and irregular menstruation. 

The rising dependence on contraceptive pills and the increasing cases of abortion among Kenyan university students are symptoms of deeper societal and educational gaps. Unless open discussions, better access to healthcare, and comprehensive education become a priority, the cycle of secrecy, fear, and health risks will continue. It is time for parents, educators, policymakers, and the youth themselves to take responsibility and seek sustainable solutions.

This shift was evident during an elaborate Iftar dinner hosted at Moi Stadium in Embu Wednesday evening, where key UDA bigwigs, led by Party Chairperson and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, Secretary General Hassan Omar, and Senator Alexander Mundigi, engaged the Muslim community. The event was more than just a religious gathering; it was a strategic outreach that signals UDA’s broader plan to lock in crucial votes ahead of the 2027 elections.

Governor Mbarire while making her speech, she was keen to highlight her administration’s deliberate effort to integrate the Muslim community into government, citing the employment of 25 Muslim staffers over the past two years. This is a significant move in a region where politics has traditionally been dominated by a Christian voter base. Mbarire’s messaging suggests that UDA is keen to expand its support base beyond traditional Mt Kenya voting blocs.

Mbarire's sentiments were echoed by Hassan Omar, the party’s Secretary General and a close ally of President William Ruto who reinforced this message, emphasizing that Ruto’s government was committed to treating all religions equally. Omar reassured Muslims that past injustices, such as arbitrary arrests of Muslim youth under terrorism suspicions, were being addressed, urging them to take advantage of new ID registration policies.

Beyond religious inclusion, this event carried deeper political undertones. The presence of Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji who has recently been government critic appearing in similar event alongside Governor Mbarire raised eyebrows, given their past political clashes.

With Deputy President Kithure Kindiki being positioned as the most senior Mt Kenya leader in Ruto’s administration, the messaging from Omar and Mundigi seemed designed to remind the region’s Muslims that they have direct access to power through Kindiki. This is significant, especially as rival political forces begin regrouping in anticipation of 2027.

Mt Kenya remains a politically unpredictable region, with internal rifts among Ruto allies threatening to disrupt unity. Recent grumblings within the UDA fold, particularly from well known figures  indicate that UDA cannot afford complacency. By reaching out to the Muslim community, UDA is expanding its base while subtly working to iron out internal divisions.

With opposition leaders also courting different voter blocs, the Embu Iftar dinner is a clear sign that UDA is leaving nothing to chance. Whether this outreach translates into real political gains remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—2027 politics is already in full swing in Mt Kenya.

From the first confirmed case in March 2020, the virus spread rapidly, prompting the government to implement strict containment measures to curb infections. While Kenya managed to control the spread over time, the crisis exposed gaps in public health infrastructure and emergency preparedness, leading to long-term reforms in the health sector. 

Kenya’s initial response included nationwide lockdowns, curfews, school closures, and restrictions on gatherings and travel. The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with international agencies such as the World Health Organization (WHO), spearheaded public awareness campaigns on hygiene, mask-wearing, and social distancing.

However, these measures also had severe economic and social consequences, with businesses shutting down, job losses increasing, and vulnerable populations struggling to access basic needs. 

The healthcare sector faced immense pressure, with hospitals experiencing a surge in patients requiring oxygen therapy and intensive care. The government set up additional isolation and treatment centres and procured emergency medical supplies, but shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators, and trained healthcare personnel remained a challenge. 

Frontline health workers bore the brunt of the crisis, with many contracting the virus due to inadequate protective measures.

The vaccination rollout, launched in early 2021, played a crucial role in reducing severe cases and fatalities. Kenya received vaccines through the global COVAX initiative, as well as bilateral agreements with countries like India and China. While initial hesitancy slowed uptake, community outreach and education programs helped boost public confidence in vaccines. By 2023, a significant portion of the adult population had received at least two doses, contributing to herd immunity and a decline in infections.

Corona Virus Vaccine 

Beyond health, the pandemic had a devastating effect on Kenya’s economy. The tourism, hospitality, and transport sectors were among the hardest hit, with businesses closing and thousands losing jobs. The government introduced stimulus packages, tax relief measures, and cash transfers to support affected citizens, but recovery has been slow, with many businesses struggling to regain stability. 

Education was another sector severely disrupted, with schools remaining closed for months, forcing a shift to online learning. However, digital inequalities meant that children from low income families, especially in rural areas, had limited access to virtual education. The government eventually implemented phased school reopenings, with measures such as social distancing and mandatory mask-wearing to protect students and teachers. 

The pandemic also highlighted issues of corruption in public health spending. Investigations into the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) revealed mismanagement of COVID-19 funds, with allegations of inflated procurement deals and misappropriation of emergency resources. This sparked public outrage and calls for greater transparency in health sector financing. 

As Kenya moves forward, lessons from COVID-19 have informed policy changes, including increased investment in healthcare infrastructure, enhanced disease surveillance systems, and improved crisis preparedness. The pandemic underscored the importance of strengthening local vaccine production, expanding medical research, and integrating digital health solutions to improve service delivery. 

While Kenya has largely recovered from the pandemic, its effects are still being felt in various sectors.The government and stakeholders continue to implement reforms aimed at building a more resilient healthcare system, ensuring that the country is better prepared for future pandemics and public health emergencies. 

A Hive Above the City

On a rooftop in downtown Chicago, Maya Rodriguez, a 42-year-old environmental scientist turned beekeeper, suits up in her protective gear. She carefully lifts the lid of a wooden hive, revealing thousands of buzzing honeybees working in synchronized harmony. “I never imagined I’d be keeping bees in the middle of a city,” Maya says, gently inspecting a honeycomb frame. “Most people think bees belong in the countryside, but urban spaces are actually becoming some of the safest places for them.”

Pollution, habitat loss, and pesticide use have devastated bee populations worldwide. But in cities, where pesticides are used less frequently and diverse plants flourish in parks and community gardens, bees are finding an unexpected refuge.

A Fight for Survival

Honeybees are responsible for pollinating nearly one-third of the food we eat, yet they are disappearing at alarming rates. Climate change, colony collapse disorder, and industrial agriculture have put them at risk. Urban beekeeping is emerging as one solution to help stabilize declining bee populations. “There’s a misconception that bees are aggressive,” says James Larkin, founder of the nonprofit HiveCity, which installs beehives on office buildings and educates communities on pollinator conservation. “But they’re just like us—trying to survive in a rapidly changing world.”

Through HiveCity, James has helped place over 200 hives across the city, from hotel rooftops to school gardens. “It’s more than just keeping bees,” he explains. “It’s about rethinking how we coexist with nature, even in a concrete jungle.”

Sweet Rewards

The benefits of urban beekeeping extend beyond environmental impact. Local honey production is booming, and businesses are taking notice. Restaurants and bakeries proudly use city-made honey, labeling it as “rooftop harvested” or “hyper-local.”

“The honey from urban hives has a unique flavor because it’s made from a mix of all the city’s flowers—lavender from balconies, wildflowers from parks, even basil from backyard gardens,” Maya explains.

Beyond honey, beekeeping fosters a sense of community. Neighborhood beekeeping workshops are bringing together people from all walks of life, from schoolchildren to retirees.

A Buzzing Future

Despite its successes, urban beekeeping faces challenges. Climate change continues to disrupt bee behaviors, and city regulations can sometimes make it difficult to install hives. Still, beekeepers like Maya and James remain hopeful. “As long as there are people who care, there’s hope for the bees,” Maya says, watching as the hive settles back into its rhythmic hum. “And if we save the bees, we save ourselves.”

As the sun sets over the city skyline, the rooftop hives remain abuzz—silent reminders that even in the heart of the metropolis, nature finds a way to thrive.