The Burden of High Costs

From the moment a student steps off a matatu in Chuka town, the economic burden is clear. The cost of living around Ndagani has risen sharply in recent years, with rent for modest hostels shooting from KSh 3,000 to as high as KSh 8,000 per month. Jane Mwende, a third-year Education student, shares, “Some of us have to share tiny rooms or move further away from campus just to afford rent. It’s exhausting walking long distances every day.”

Water Scarcity Woes

Water, a basic necessity, is another major challenge. During the dry seasons, taps around Ndagani often run dry for weeks. Students are forced to trek for kilometers to fetch water from unreliable sources, risking both their health and safety. “We have to choose between attending classes or queuing for water early in the morning,” says Brian Mutuma, a first-year student.

Insecurity at Night

As night falls, fear grips many students living in isolated areas of Ndagani. Cases of mugging and burglary have risen sharply, particularly around less populated hostels. “You can’t walk alone after 7 PM without risking being robbed," says Sheila Wanja, a fourth-year student. Although local authorities have made efforts to deploy more patrols, students feel that much still needs to be done to guarantee their safety.

Limited Internet and Power Outages

In an increasingly digital world, reliable internet access is no longer a luxury — it's essential. Yet, many students complain of poor connectivity, which hampers their ability to conduct research and submit assignments. Coupled with frequent electricity blackouts, particularly during the rainy season, academic work becomes a constant battle against time.

Mental Health Challenges

The pressures of financial strain, academic expectations, and poor living conditions have taken a toll on students' mental health. Few can afford professional counseling, and stigma around mental health remains high. “Sometimes you feel overwhelmed but you don't know where to turn,” confides Peter Njeru, a second-year Computer Science student.

Calls for Action

Students are now calling for urgent interventions. Many suggest that the university should partner with local landlords to regulate rent, improve water supply infrastructure, enhance security patrols, and establish accessible counseling centres. “We love our university,” says Mwende passionately, “but we need a better environment to thrive, not just survive.”

As Chuka University continues to shine academically, it is clear that addressing these silent struggles will be key in unlocking the full potential of its vibrant student body. After all, education is not only about what happens in the lecture halls — it is also about the quality of life beyond them.

She clutched a torn paper bag filled with her few belongings. Twenty-six years old, heartbroken, and broke, she had just walked away from a toxic relationship that had drained her of everything. Her savings, self-worth, dreams had all vanished.

All she had left was the determination not to go back.

As the clock struck 10 p.m., the last bus to Kayole was pulling away.

Wanja ran after it, shouting, but the conductor only shrugged.  It was full. Off it went.

Defeated, she sank onto a broken bench, tears mixing with the rain.

It was then she heard a rough voice, but kind.

"Miss... are you okay?"

She looked up to see a tall man in a soaked hoodie, carrying a backpack and an umbrella that was more holes than fabric. His name was Kevin.

Kevin was no knight in shining armor. He was a casual laborer at Gikomba, struggling to make ends meet after losing his brother to gang violence. He knew hardship. He knew hunger. And he recognized the desperation in Wanja’s eyes because it mirrored his own not long ago.

Without asking questions, Kevin offered her half of his umbrella and his last KSh 100.

"Let’s share a cab to Kayole. You can pay me back someday... or not."

Wanja hesitated. In Nairobi, trust was a dangerous luxury. But something in Kevin’s voice, something raw and honest — made her nod.

That night, inside a noisy, rattling cab, two strangers shared silence, then laughter, then stories of pain they had never dared to tell anyone else. By the time they reached Kayole, something fragile but powerful had taken root.

The next morning, Wanja borrowed Kevin’s battered old phone and called an old college friend. Within a week, she landed a small clerical job at an NGO. She insisted on paying Kevin back — and buying him a new umbrella.

But fate wasn’t done with them yet. As weeks turned into months, Wanja and Kevin kept crossing paths. A lunch here. A walk there and late-night call after a rough day. They leaned on each other. They grew together.

Two years later, in a tiny church in Umoja, under a sky bright with second chances, Kevin placed a simple ring on Wanja’s finger. "I found you when I had nothing," he whispered, "and yet you gave me everything."

Today, Wanja and Kevin run a small community foundation that helps stranded young people in Nairobi; people just like they once were. They call it The Last Bus Initiative.

Because sometimes, missing the last bus doesn’t mean missing your destiny.Sometimes, it’s just the beginning of a miracle.

Speaking during a  press briefing, party chairman Lenny Kivuti exuded confidence, stating that the party is not only ready for the Mbeere North contest but is also preparing to field candidates across the country come 2027.

“The BUS party will remain autonomous and will not merge with any other political party  not now, not ever, until Jesus comes,” Kivuti declared, setting the tone for a fierce political contest.

Kivuti emphasized that their focus is currently on strengthening the party's grassroots structures, launching a mass membership registration drive, and intensifying political education across counties.

Backing Kivuti’s sentiments, former Meru Governor and senior party figure Kiraitu Murungi who reiterated that the party’s priority is internal growth, not political coalitions. “Our eyes are on 2027. We are not in a rush to join hands with anyone. Let others come to us,” he noted.

Newton Karish, the man chosen to carry the BUS party ticket, struck a confident tone saying the party will emerge a winner. “We are more than ready for this by-election. Let IEBC give us the date  we are hitting the ground running,” he said.

Karish is expected to face stiff competition from political giants and local powerhouses, including former MP Muriuki Njagagua, his brother Dr. Murage Njagagua, Embu County Speaker Josiah Thiriku, philanthropist Jacob Ireri Mbao who is deaf, Evurore MCA Duncan Mbui, and Konji Kwayo, among others.

The by-election is shaping up to be a political showdown, with major players eyeing the constituency as a litmus test of their influence.

Sources close to the former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua hint that he may throw his weight behind a preferred candidate  though it's still unclear whether he will support the BUS party or back a rival. Kenya Kwanza, under whose ticket the former MP Ruku was elected, is also expected to front a strong replacement.

Adding more political flavor to the race, former Public Service CS Justin Muturi  a son of Mbeere North  is also said to be crafting plans to field a candidate.

According to a report by TVC News, the agreement seeks to eliminate trade barriers and enhance development collaboration. This upgrade in diplomatic ties signals a major step forward for Kenya’s international strategy, with potential benefits for both the economy and the average citizen.

One of the biggest takeaways from the visit is the opening of Chinese markets to Kenyan goods. The government has encouraged local businesses to explore these new avenues. As reported by The Standard, exports like fresh produce, textiles, and leather products could thrive under the improved trade framework.

“This new chapter offers immense opportunities, especially in technology and trade,” said James Macharia, a Nairobi-based economist. “But we must ensure Kenya retains decision-making power in these agreements.”

At Nairobi’s bustling Wakulima Market, trader Beatrice Muthoni shared her hopes: “If we can sell more avocados and mangoes directly to China, it will boost our income. But we need support in logistics and packaging to meet global standards.”

Despite the excitement, not everyone is convinced. Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has raised concerns over Kenya’s rising external debt, criticizing the government’s growing dependence on foreign loans. “We must tap into our own resources and reduce external borrowing,” he told Citizen Digital. His remarks underscore the growing worry among many Kenyans who fear that deepening ties with global powers could compromise the country’s sovereignty.

As Kenya steps into this renewed relationship with China, the stakes are high. While the promise of investment and trade is alluring, the long-term success of the partnership will depend on Kenya’s ability to strike a balance between cooperation and caution.

The Interior and National National Administration CS pointed out that there are quite a number of counties across Kenya which have boundary disputes and Parliament should come in to offer a solution. "We are faced with a challenge of county boundaries. This cannot be left to security apparatus alone. It has to be taken to Parliament to ensure boundaries are properly demarcated", said CS Murkomen.

The CS said non-local residents had illegally occupied Mwingi and South Kitui National Reserves. They are from Garissa, Tana River, Isiolo and Wajir counties. They are the people facing evictions.

Murkomen announced there would be eminent mass evictions of Kenyans who illegally occupy game reserves warning that no one will be spared after being found to have invaded the reserves. "We want all people out of the game reserves because that is causing the proliferation of illegal firearms in the country. It is also causing conflict among local people".